Academic Catalog 2024-45 by North Central University

Undergraduate Academic Catalog

MISSION, VISION, & STUDENT OUTCOMES

INSTITUTIONAL MISSION

North Central University is a dynamic Christian learning community educating students for lives of service throughout society, the marketplace, and the church. In keeping with its Pentecostal heritage and beliefs, NCU models and expects excellence in both academic practice and Christian faith.

Through rigorous engagement in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, NCU graduates are becoming more competent, wise, competitive, and skillful. Our graduates possess a faithful outlook and disposition for reflective and critical thought that is rooted in scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit, resulting in career excellence, spiritual integrity and ethical courage.

The NCU experience fosters a mature commitment to both Christ and the mission of God throughout the world. As a leading urban Christian university, NCU offers a transformative student experience. NCU graduates are challenged to engage in thoughtful and proactive dialogue concerning biblical models for compassion, equity, and social well-being.

Grateful to God, the NCU community carries out this mission with responsible stewardship of our physical, financial, and human resources.

INSTITUTIONAL VALUES

• Wisdom – At NCU we value and integrate the sacred scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit throughout our curriculum, pedagogy, and professional practice.

• Honor – At NCU we celebrate the faith and sacrifice of those who came before us and have entrusted us with this institution while also knowing we must pass our work on to others in the future.

• Expertise – At NCU we champion and strive for excellence. We look to employ top scholars and innovators and surround them with engaging culture and technologies.

• Stewardship – At NCU we encourage our students, alumni, faculty and staff to properly care for and succeed in their vocation from God to the greater world where they serve.

• Accessibility – At NCU we welcome and support students from all backgrounds and ethnicities, and diligently work to see them graduate with spiritual and economic freedom.

INSTITUTIONAL ASPIRATIONS

• Maintain and improve our position in the field of education.

• Develop new models, new fields, new techniques, and new demands.

• Earn the respect of the communities in which we operate.

• Develop campus-wide morale, outlook, and enterprise.

• Contribute something meaningful to the art of education and leadership.

In order to accomplish this task, NCU is committed to the requirement of a minimum of 24 credits of Bible/Theology for most majors, including the 18–credit Christian Studies Minor. It also requires daily chapel attendance and other meaningful methods of spiritual formation. NCU is church-focused and there are practical ministry requirements which are fulfilled with service in the church and community. The University seeks to develop a robust Christianity based on a Christian worldview developed through a meaningful, integrated general education core program. It offers various majors which are designed to develop leaders who are functioning Pentecostals and who know how to interact evangelistically with their world.

All majors are designed to be ministry-focused, training students to serve God in a variety of ways according to their calling and gifts. Program focus at North Central is particularly centered upon urban and international settings, utilizing the urban context of the campus as a laboratory for effective ministry and providing a full array of creative international learning opportunities.

THE HERITAGE

Located in the heart of Minneapolis, North Central University is a coeducational, undergraduate, primarily residential college owned and operated by 11 Assemblies of God districts of the upper Midwest. Founded in 1930 as North Central Bible Institute, program offerings were expanded in 1955 to include a four–year degree.

In 1957, the institution’s name was changed to North Central Bible College and in 1964, North Central was accredited by the American Association of Bible Colleges. Recognizing its commitment to the needs of its constituents, North Central continued expanding its offerings and was accredited in 1986 by the Higher Learning Commission.

At the spring 1998 meeting of the Board of Regents, the college’s name was changed to North Central University.

In keeping with the vital and growing character of the school, enrollment has more than tripled from 401 students in 1975 to a present enrollment of approximately 1,100 in the residence, online, PSEO, and graduate programs this year. The stability and strength of North Central has produced more than 26,000 alumni, and of its graduates, 75 percent are presently in ministry positions throughout the United States and around the world.

UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION

UNIVERSITY OFFICERS

Douglas Graham – President, D.Min., Bethel Seminary

Bethany Harshbarger – Vice President of Enrollment and Student Development, M.A. in Strategic Leadership, North Central University

Kate Ketterling – Vice President of Operations and HR

Desiree Libengood – Vice President of Academic Affairs, Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Bethel University

Ron Meyer – Chief Financial Officer, MBA, Bethel University

Beth Brown – Dean of Students, M.S.W. in Social Work, University of Southern Indiana

ACADEMIC DEANS

Alaine Buchanan – Dean, College of Graduate Studies, Ph.D. in Second Temple Jewish Literature and History, Regent University

Vincent Zarletti – Dean, College of Undergraduate Studies, D.W.S. in Worship Studies, Robert E. Webber Institute

ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY

Mary Winter – University Registrar, Ed.D. in Leadership in K–12 Administration (candidate), Bethel University

Sharon Kuntz – Director of Academic Success, M.A. in Higher Education, Geneva College

Rachelle Waldon – Director, T.J. Jones Library, M.A. in Library and Information Science, Saint Catherine University

Jill Trites – Academic Specialist of Academic Success, M.A. in TESL/Applied Linguistics, University of Minnesota APPROVALS

APPROVALS

North Central University is approved by the Department of Education of the State of Minnesota for training of veterans and war orphans under Public Laws 358, 634, 87–815.

North Central University has Minnesota State Board of Teaching approval which allows certification for teachers in elementary education K–6 with endorsements in 5–8 Communication Arts & Literature, 5–8 Mathematics, and 5–8 Social Studies, as well as for 5–12 Communication Arts & Literature, 5–12 Mathematics, 5–12 Social Studies, and K–12 Vocal and Classroom Music.

North Central University's social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education which allows for certification/licensure of graduates from approved programs.

North Central University is approved by the United States Department of Justice for the training of foreign students.

It is approved by the State of Minnesota, Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, for the training of students with disability handicaps.

North Central University is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to Minnesota Statutes sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.

ACCREDITATION

North Central University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This association is a participating member of the Council on Higher Education.

North Central University is listed in the directory of Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education and Programs. This directory is published by the American Council on Education. Questions pertaining to accrediting issues may be directed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Questions pertaining to the conformity of North Central University to the criteria of the Higher Learning Commission may be directed to the Higher Learning Commission (see contact information below):

Higher Learning Commission

30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602

Tel: 1.800.621.7440 hlcommision.org

MEMBERSHIP

North Central University is an institutional participant in the NC–SARA initiative (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements) and is listed on the NC–SARA website (www.nc-sara.org).

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

30050 Center Green Drive, Suite 130 Boulder, CO 80301 info@nc-sara.org

ACADEMIC AREAS

College of Undergraduate Studies Programs

• ENGLISH

The English program at North Central University is a Christ-centered analytical work in English, dedicated to developing the abilities to think critically, communicate effectively, and influence culture creatively.

• ASL

North Central University is home to the Carlstrom American Sign Language Interpreting training program. NCU is the only Assemblies of God College to offer a major in interpreting and a minor in Deaf Cultural Studies. The qualified faculty members enable students to be trained by experts in the field of interpreting, Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL).

The Carlstrom American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting program will produce graduates who will ethically serve and lead by utilizing their skill and knowledge of languages, cultures, and a Christian worldview to facilitate communication and understanding between Deaf and non-deaf people.

• EDUCATION

The Education program is committed to producing teachers who are academically prepared for excellent teaching and who utilize the best pedagogical practices, model Christ-like character, and devote themselves to lifelong learning.

• SOCIAL

& BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

The Social and Behavioral Sciences program exists to provide a broad, theologically enlightened educational foundation for students entering the behavioral sciences and prepare department graduates for further educational training and/or immediate employment in the field. The School of Social & Behavioral Sciences also incorporates the general education courses in history and government.

• BUSINESS & DIGITAL

COMMUNICATIONS

The Business and Digital Communications program utilizes academic and experiential rigor to educate leaders in business knowledge, Christian virtues, and professional skills – graduates are capable of leading organizations to innovate, grow, and deliver world-class results. This program offers a distinctive educational experience to prepare global business leaders through a portfolio of relevant programs that emphasizes academic rigor, learning outcomes, and teaching excellence in both delivery and content. Your educational journey in the Business and Digital Communications program will be built on tested theoretical frameworks and realworld learning experiences. Students will possess the multidisciplinary knowledge,

critical-thinking skills, and Christian virtues to make a positive impact on economies and societies. Students have the opportunity to focus on becoming marketing professionals that build brands with creativity, data analytics, and superior execution skills. Students are prepared for careers in Fortune 100 companies, advertising, small businesses, churches, and freelance marketing.

• FINE ARTS

The Fine Arts program exists to develop passionate, spiritual leaders, who, through skillful and creative use of their art, will impact the world for Christ. The Fine Arts program offers degrees in Music Production and Worship Leadership.

• CHURCH LEADERSHIP

The Church Leadership program provides for continued growth and development of ministry programs, embracing the responsibility to raise up and send out the next generation of leaders answering God's call to vocational ministry. The Church Leadership program has three different options of focus Pastoral Studies, Global Studies, or Biblical & Theological Studies. Pastoral Studies provides comprehensive ministerial training for pastors in the areas of Youth, Children, & Family Ministry and Pastoral Leadership, as well as evangelism and church planting. Global Studies prepares students to love God and others, extending God's Kingdom incarnationally and cross-culturally by focusing on unreached, oppressed, and impoverished peoples. Biblical & Theological Studies provides a strong biblical and theological foundation for all NCU students and offers advanced biblical and theological training for those planning to pursue graduate study and/or vocational ministry.

• DIGITAL STUDIES

Digital Studies provides innovative opportunities in online education for both traditional and non-traditional students, preparing them to excel as leaders in the church and the world.

College of Graduate Studies

The College of Graduate Studies provides graduate-level educational programming that serves to develop effective Christian leaders for vital roles in businesses, churches, and other organizations through a theologically-informed, theoretically-grounded, and practically-applied curriculum.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

Academic Calendar

CALENDAR

The standard academic year consists of two semesters; a fall semester of approximately 16 weeks and a spring semester of the same length ending in early May. All credits are computed on a semester basis, including the summer session courses.

SUMMER SESSIONS

The dates for summer sessions are indicated on the university calendar with courses typically starting the Monday following spring commencement. The summer online classes will be eight weeks in length. Other courses such as internships and senior projects extend the full 16-week summer semester. A maximum of 18 credits may be taken during the summer sessions, including a limit of 12 online credits for residential students. Classes with fewer than six students in summer sessions may be cancelled at the discretion of the professor. North Central University reserves the right to cancel any course for which enrollment is considered insufficient.

FINAL EXAMINATIONS

One week is provided for final examinations at the close of each semester. Two hours are allotted for each course exam. Final examinations must be taken at the designated times, except in the case of a life-threatening family emergency with documentation or a personal medical problem documented by a physician or health care professional. These exceptions must be approved by the Office of Academic Affairs. A student with three or more final exams scheduled for the same day may request accommodations from the Office of Academic Affairs

Please note that all coursework must be submitted for grading no later than the end of Finals Week. The only exceptions would be for students with an approved Incomplete Grade Request. In the event of an emergency during Finals Week, please contact the registrar’s office directly for assistance. Any coursework submitted after the end of the last day of the scheduled final exam will not be accepted by the instructor.

Academic Advising

ADVISORS

Each student will be assigned an academic advisor who is a faculty member within the appropriate major. The advisor will assist in orientation to campus life, establishing educational goals, and scheduling classes during registration. In addition, all faculty members hold regular office hours at which time students are encouraged to seek counsel.

While North Central University will provide as much help as possible in planning academic programs, each student is responsible for the proper completion of a program and, therefore,

should be familiar with the degree requirements listed in this catalog, as well as all of the academic policies.

EXPLORATORY STUDIES

Students have the option to spend their first two semesters exploring the different majors at North Central (30-credit limit). Students who select the Exploratory Studies major will be assigned an advisor who specializes in career guidance to help them stay on track for graduation while they discover their strengths and explore their interests.

DEGREE AUDIT SHEETS

Degree audit sheets indicate courses required and completed. Students and advisors can access the audit sheets at any time through Colleague Self Service. It is the responsibility of the student, with the assistance of the advisor, to see that all program requirements are accounted for before applying for graduation.

CLASS STANDING

A student’s class status is based on the number of credit hours successfully completed toward graduation:

Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior

Program Length, Load, & Hours

PROGRAM LENGTH

0–29 Credits

30–59 Credits

60–89 Credits

90 or more Credits

The University requires a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits for the associate degree, a minimum of 120 undergraduate credits for the bachelor’s degree, and a minimum of 30 graduate credits for the master’s degree. However, the degree requirements of individual programs may demand more than the minimum number of credits. The curriculum is built around an expected program length of four years for a bachelor’s degree and two years for an associate degree.

CREDIT HOURS

North Central University (NCU) operates on a traditional semester system and offers academic credit in terms of the semester credit hour.

The standard for three-credit courses is as follows:

• “Block” courses (75 minutes per day) will meet a minimum of 27 times per semester, not including final exam week.

• Slot and Evening classes (160 minutes per week, with a break) will meet a minimum of 14 times per semester, including a final exam during the final meeting.

• Weekend classes (Friday: 6:30 pm – 9:10 pm and Saturday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, with breaks, or 580 minutes per weekend) will meet a minimum of four weekends per semester, including a final exam during the final weekend of classes.

Each semester hour of one distance learning or hybrid course credit is defined as an equivalent amount of instruction and student work leading to equivalent learning outcomes, as required for an on-campus class as defined above.

Departments, Schools, and Colleges follow this rule in establishing the number of credit hours awarded in nontraditional settings including Directed Research, Internships, Senior Projects, and accelerated courses. This standard is consistent with the credit hour definition found in Department of Education regulation 34 CFR §600.2.

WORK LOAD EXPECTATION

NCU Credit Hour Policy states that for every course credit hour, the typical student should expect to spend at least three clock hours per week of concentrated attention on course-related work, including but not limited to, time in class, as well as out-of-class time spent reading, reviewing, organizing notes, preparing for upcoming quizzes/exams, problem solving, developing and completing projects, and other activities that enhance learning. Thus, for a threecredit residential course, a typical student should expect to spend at least nine hours per week dedicated to the one course.

Over the 16-week semester, a student should expect to complete at least 45 hours of concentrated attention on course-related work for each credit enrolled. This includes, but is not limited to, inclass time (class attendance with associated learning activities) and out-of-class time (reading, reviewing/organizing notes, preparing for upcoming quizzes/exams, problem solving, developing and completing projects, etc.). Common examples of course types and related approximate workload structure include:

The above examples are only representative, and the in-class/out-of-class ratio might differ depending on the nature of the specific course, as allowed under federal guidelines. Each course syllabus will outline specific expectations.

*It is important to note that while online students may not necessarily meet at a specific time or geographical location, they will be expected to academically attend their courses on a weekly basis.

Please see the Online Course Attendance section of this document for further details.

SEMESTER COURSE LOAD

An undergraduate student must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours per regular semester to be considered full-time. A minimum class load of 15 hours per semester is necessary to complete most bachelor’s degrees in a four-year period.

A student may not enroll for more than 18 credit hours during enrollment at NCU in a semester unless he or she has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and has permission from the registrar by submitting an Academic Petition for approval.

The same credit limit (18) applies for the summer session, however residential undergrads may register for a maximum of 12 online credits with no limit on the number of online courses per 8week session in the summer semester.

Students who receive veteran’s benefits or Pell Grants must take a minimum of 12 credits each semester to receive their maximum award. Full-time status for Minnesota State Grant eligibility is 15 credits.

Students are encouraged to work in order to meet their financial needs and commitments. North Central also desires to assist students in anticipating the demands that they will be experiencing in college life. Therefore, to maximize the probability that all students will succeed in their college courses, the following employment workloads have been suggested based upon the number of credits taken:

Course Structure

COURSE NUMBERING SYSTEM

Class listings, in this catalog, provide all the information needed for completing the registration forms. The course descriptions give the full title and course number.

Significance of the course numbers:

100-199 Freshman-level courses

200-299 Sophomore-level courses

300-399 Junior-level courses

400-499 Senior-level courses

500-higher Graduate-level courses

COURSE CODE DESIGNATIONS

ALAN Ancient Languages

APST Applied Studies

ARCH Archeology

BIBL Biblical Literature & Interpretation

BIOL Biology

BUS Business

CDS Carlstrom ASL-Interpreting

CHEM Chemistry

COMM Communication Arts

CSCI Computer Science

CT Critical Thought

ECON Economics

EDUC Education

ELED Elementary Education

ENG English/Literature

FA Fine Arts

GBA Graduate Business Administration

GBS Global Studies

GBT Graduate Bible & Theology

GCL Graduate Church Leadership

GEOG Geography

GLE Graduate: Strategic Leadership

GOLD Graduate: Organizational Leadership

GOVT Government

GS General Studies

GWL Graduate Worship Arts Leadership

HCA Healthcare Administration

HIST History

HLTH Health Studies

HULE Humanitarian Leadership

MATH Mathematics

MLAN Modern Languages

MUS Music

MUSL Music Lesson

PE Physical Education

PHYS Physics

PMIN Pastoral Ministry

PSYC Psychology

SCI Science

SM Sports Management

SWK Social Work

TEFL Teaching English as a Foreign Language

THEO Theology

THTR Theatre

URBN Urban Studies

WTHE Worldview Theology

YDEV Youth Development

ONLINE COURSES

In compliance with the governing federal definitions (34 CFR §600.2) and the policy of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (https://www.hlcommission.org/Monitoring/distancedelivery.html), North Central University defines an online course as one in which 75% or more of course instruction and interaction occurs via some form of electronic communication, most typically via the University’s internet-based learning management system (LMS), where the students and faculty are physically separated from each other. No course with this designation will require attendance in a traditional classroom.

HYBRID COURSES

A course is designated “hybrid” when it is intentionally designed in such a way that a portion of the face-to-face, instructional time and interaction is replaced by online activities facilitated through an internet-based learning management system (LMS) or other designated distance education method. To fit this definition, the course must also require attendance in a traditional classroom, where more than 25% of the instructional time and interaction occurs. The University’s approved course workload calculator metrics will help in making this determination.

VIRTUAL COURSES

A “virtual” course is taught in an online synchronous format, designed to allow adjunct professors from another state to engage with our students in our residential programs. No course with this designation will require attendance in a traditional classroom, but it will require online attendance on set days and times

INTERNSHIPS

An internship is a requirement for graduation for most majors and may be involved in the curriculum of all majors. The internship is usually done on a full-time basis during the student’s junior or senior years. Many students are able to take their internship during the summer before their senior year.

Students pursuing a double major must fulfill the internship requirements for each major. While this may be accomplished through one internship experience, this is only possible with the permission of the department director of both majors. If permission is granted, a Course Requirement Variance Petition must be submitted to the registrar's office for final approval and, if granted, recorded on the Degree Audit Sheet. If either department director is not in agreement that one internship experience will fulfill the educational objectives of each of the majors, then the student will need to register for and complete one internship per major.

TEACHING ASSISTANTS

To promote interest in post-secondary academic teaching ministry, select students who demonstrate excellence within the college academic environment are provided the opportunity for involvement as a teaching assistant under the following guidelines:

1. With the approval of the department director, students in good academic standing (2.0 cum GPA) with at least 60 credits toward graduation may have the option of registering for a course as a Teaching Assistant.

2. Students may take GS-460 as a Teaching Assistant as often as they would like. This 0-credit course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

3. Students may petition to register as a Teaching Assistant for 1-2 credits (GS-461) once during their time at NCU. They will pay tuition for those credits, and earn a letter grade. Education majors may take a Teaching Assistantship for credit twice so long as it meets a General Elective degree requirement.

4. Biblical & Theological Studies majors need to take BIBL-488 for 3 credits. They will pay tuition for those credits and earn a letter grade. Registration requires permission of the instructor and completion of the BATS TA Form.

5. Any credits earned will be applied only toward General Electives. These credits may not be used to meet a degree requirement in either the General Education or the Major Core.

6. Students registering as a Teaching Assistant must complete FERPA training. If they have not previously completed this training, students will be administratively enrolled in GS-220 FERPA Training for 0 credits. Any student who fails to earn a passing grade in GS-220 prior to the last day to add classes for the semester will be not be allowed to register for GS-460 or GS-461.

SENIOR PROJECTS

A Senior Project is a requirement for most majors, but the type of project differs. For example, for music majors, it is a recital, education students complete their student teaching, and psychology students do a research paper which has an oral defense. Many majors require synthesizing papers, and those majors with a global focus emphasize particular countries. This challenging capstone course is a wonderful opportunity to utilize the many skills students have gained during their college career to produce a culminating project.

Students pursuing a double major must fulfill the senior project requirements for each major. While this may be accomplished through one senior project, this is only possible with the permission of the department director of both majors. If permission is granted, a Course Requirement Variance Petition must be submitted to the registrar's office for final approval and, if granted, recorded on the Degree Audit Sheet. If either department director is not in agreement that one senior project will fulfill the educational objectives of each of the majors, then the student will need to register for and complete one senior project per major.

DIRECTED RESEARCH

This independent study program is designed to enable seniors (more than 90 credits) in residency to complete major core degree requirements when suitable alternatives cannot be found. General education core and minor requirements are not eligible for directed research. Students must be in excellent Academic Standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to be eligible for this independent study option. Students should work with their advisor and the registrar’s office to find an alternate course substitution if the required course will not be offered again prior to graduation. Directed Research is intended only for circumstances when a course variance is not a viable option. For all directed research requests, the dean’s approval is required.

Students are limited to a maximum of 12 DR credit hours in their total program, and 6 DR credits in any single semester. Juniors participating in NCU-sponsored Study Abroad programs may be permitted to complete courses via Directed Research while overseas, provided that onsite or online alternatives are not available to them.

Registration becomes official once the Directed Research application form, with all necessary approvals, is approved by the registrar. The form is available online and must be submitted no later than the last day of the Add Period. Tuition charges plus Directed Research fees of $100 per credit will be added to the student’s account at the time of registration. All coursework must be completed within the time frame of the semester in which it is initiated. Directed Research fees are non-refundable.

Course Policies

REGISTRATION-ADD/DROP PERIODS

Students are expected to register during the scheduled registration periods designated on the academic calendar. Current students must meet with their advisor prior to registration in order to review course plans. Registration will be restricted until the advisor lifts the registration hold.

Students may add or drop classes directly on Self Service for residential courses during the first 2 weeks of the semester, ending on Census. All registration changes after that time must be processed through the registrar’s office by submitting the online Change of Schedule Request Form.

Online classes may be added only during the first 3 days of each session; however, students must contact the registrar’s office for assistance in adding or dropping a Session B online class.

The last date for a student to voluntarily withdraw from a course is the last day of seated classes, prior to Finals Week.

SCHEDULE CHANGES AFTER CENSUS

A student who attends a class and then officially drops it may have their financial aid package adjusted. If a student drops a class after Census, a grade of “W” or “WF” may be issued. A grade of “W” will not impact a student’s GPA and will be awarded for any class dropped after Census: Day 5 for an online course and Day 10 for a residential course. A grade of “WF” will be issued after the end of the 4th week for an online course and after the end of the 9th week for a residential course and will have the equivalent impact of an “F” in the GPA calculations.

Only students who have properly dropped a class within the tuition refund period are entitled to a refund, if eligible. See the Tuition Refund Schedule on the Skyline calendar. Proper withdrawal from a course also ensures the appropriate grade notation on the student’s record. An individual course dropped prior to Census will not appear on the student’s final transcript. Classes may not be changed from credit to audit or from audit to credit after the first day of the semester

ADDING A CLASS LATE

Students who register for a course after the first class meeting will be held to the same syllabi expectations as students who start the course on the official start date. These expectations include but are not limited to assignments and attendance policy. It is the responsibility of the student to make up missed assignments, class notes, etc. The professor is not responsible.

REINSTATEMENT POLICY

Late registration is not permitted after the end of the Add Period of each semester. However, if circumstances justify it, a student may file a petition with the registrar to receive special permission to register after the enrollment period is closed. Late registration for courses during the current semester that exceed block pricing or have course fees will result in additional charges.

A student may petition for Prior Semester Course Reinstatement for courses completed in the previous semester. Tuition for prior semester course reinstatement will not be covered under block pricing It will be charged at the rate of 1/3 of the current block tuition rate and will include any other applicable fees in effect at the time of registration. Tuition must be paid in full at the time of reinstatement or registration will be voided. Courses completed prior to this reinstatement period will not be considered for enrollment.

4+1 PROGRAM

The 4+1 Program is a five-year option to students who are interested in earning their undergraduate and graduate studies degrees quickly. Undergraduate seniors with more than 75 credits earned and a minimum GPA of 3.0 may apply to become eligible for the 4+1 Program. The program application form can be found online under the Academic forms.

Undergraduate students approved for the 4+1 Program are eligible to take up to five 500-level graduate courses for a total of 15 credits. Those courses designated as part of the 4+1 program will meet both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements, allowing completion of a master’s degree in just one additional academic year. It should be noted that not all programs will provide the option to take the full 15 credits. Students who do not need additional General Elective credit may choose to add the Leadership Certificate to their program. Please refer to the Certificate section of the catalog for more information.

4+1 Course Registration

Registration in 500-level courses is restricted, so students must submit the 4+1 Course Registration form online. Registration approval is contingent upon those courses meeting an undergraduate degree requirement in order to be eligible for financial aid. Students who have been approved for the 4+1 program and who have the option of taking a course at the graduate level that is also offered at the undergraduate level, should take the graduate-level course. Students who complete approved designated 4+1 graduate courses as undergraduates are eligible to count this course toward approved undergraduate and graduate requirements (15credit maximum). A variance form is required if a student is taking the graduate course in place of another course requirement.

The standard Add/Drop period applies to all undergraduate students enrolled in a 500-level course. Students will not be permitted to change either to the graduate course or the undergraduate course after the end of the Add/Drop period for that course.

PREREQUISITE COURSES

Course prerequisites must be completed. Prerequisites are listed with each course description in the catalog. See course descriptions for additional details. Prerequisite waivers require dean approval.

COURSE VARIANCES

Variance implies "a substitution of coursework taken at North Central University" whereby permission is granted by the dean for one course to equivocally take the place of another in one’s prescribed program. To be eligible, the course taken must meet the following requirements:

• The course taken must meet the minimum course level of the required courses. Only upper-level courses (300-400) can be varianced for upper-level degree requirements, such as BIBL 335 for BIBL 472. Lower-level courses (100-200) can be varianced by any level course (100-400).

• Course variances within the General Education Core or Christian Studies Core require approval from the dean of the required course. This is to ensure that North Central complies with all accreditation and Department of Education regulations.

"Course Variance Forms" are available online from the registrar’s office. Verbal agreements or promises to individuals are NOT sufficient to constitute a Variance. An approved Course Variance Form must be on file in the student’s record in order for it to be considered valid.

Approved Variance Forms will be held on file in the registrar’s office as part of the student’s permanent record. Only courses with passing grades will be processed as variances. They will be indicated as such on the student’s Degree Audit sheet by the registrar’s office.

A Course Variance Form is valid for no more than one semester If for any reason, a student is unable to register for the approved class within that semester, the form will be discarded and a new form will have to be submitted to the registrar’s office.

DOUBLE COUNTING CREDITS

A student must earn a minimum of 125 credits towards graduation before any credits can be counted to meet a second degree requirement. A Course Variance Form must be submitted and approved by the dean in order for any course to be double-counted towards graduation. No courses may be double counted with General Education degree requirements or the Christian Studies minor. Courses cannot be double-counted within the same requirement section (e.g. within the General Education Core or within the Major Core), nor can a single course be used to meet a third degree requirement.

REPEATED COURSES & REPLACEMENT CREDITS

Students who wish to retake any NCU course may do so under the following provisions:

1. Courses that were previously failed may be repeated until a passing grade is earned and will count toward the determination of the student’s financial aid enrollment status and will be eligible for financial aid

2. Any course with a passing grade (D- or higher) may be repeated only once and be eligible. Subsequent retakes will not be eligible for financial aid, even if the course does not meet the minimum requirement for a major.

3. Refunds for previously attempted courses will not be awarded or credited on retake attempts.

5. Credits for any course will count only once toward the required 124 credits.

6. This provision does not apply to those courses which are designed to be repeated; for example, Music Lessons, Choirs, and Ensembles. Such coursework is designated as being “repeatable” and failing grades cannot be replaced.

7. Science lecture courses can be retaken without requiring a co-requisite of the lab. However, students are required to take the lecture when retaking a lab.

AUDITING CLASSES

Courses not needed to complete degree requirements may be taken on an audit or selfenrichment basis. Attendance is not maintained, work is not graded, examinations or grades are not given, and credit is not recorded. All students attending or participating in any course must officially register with the University. One-third of the regular tuition rate will be charged for audit courses and will not be included in Block pricing. Audit-only students may not utilize campus services such as the Computer Lab, Academic Success, Student Life, etc. Students may not accumulate greater than 30 hours of audit credit. Enrollment status on any class (for example,

from audit to regular credit) will not change after the last day to add a class for that semester. Online courses, music lessons, choirs, ensembles, languages, and courses with a lab (science and music theory) cannot be audited.

Online Course Policies

REGISTRATION LIMITS

A residential NCU student may register for a maximum of 6 credits of online courses in any fall or spring semester, with a limit of one online class per 8-week session. There is a limit of 18 credits of online courses in any one academic year; i.e. fall, spring, and summer. During the summer semester, a student may take a maximum of 18 credits, with a limit of 12 online credits. There is no limit on the number of online courses per 8-week session in the summer semester.

A residential NCU student may not exceed 48 credits of online coursework taken through NCU in a typical baccalaureate program. Special permission is required from the Vice President of Academic Affairs for a residential student to be enrolled exclusively in online and/or independent study classes, such as DR’s, internships, and senior projects

Online courses offered during the fall and spring semesters may be in either an 8-week or 16week format. All online undergraduate courses offered during the summer semester will be 8 weeks in length.

An NCU residential student should be in good academic standing in order to enroll in online courses. Residential students who are currently on Probation may only register for online courses with the approval of the registrar and Academic Success. Any residential student on a Provisional Admit or Provisional Continuance academic standing are ineligible to enroll in online courses. Once a residential student has raised their cumulative GPA to the level required for good academic standing, they may take online courses once again. Any residential student who has previously failed a course may not retake that course in an online format without permission from the registrar and Academic Success.

ONLINE COURSE FEES

A course designated as “online” or “hybrid” will be assessed a fee for technical support as part of the registration process. Normal technology fees and all other course fees apply to registering students as is the current practice.

ONLINE WORKLOAD EXPECTATION

NCU Credit Hour Policy states that for every course credit hour, the typical student should expect to spend a minimum of six clock hours per week of concentrated attention on courserelated work, including but not limited to time in class, as well as out-of-class time spent reading, reviewing, organizing notes, preparing for upcoming quizzes/exams, problem solving, developing and completing projects, and other activities that enhance learning. Thus, for a threecredit course, a typical student should expect to spend a minimum of 18 hours per week dedicated to the one course.

Class Attendance Policies - Residential Courses

Class attendance is necessary for the ongoing process of education in the student’s life. For Financial Aid purposes, attendance in a residential course will be established during the first two weeks of the semester. Any student who has not attended class during that time will be administratively dropped from that class.

It is understood that from time to time a student will need to be absent from a course. Such absences will not be questioned, nor will they affect the grade earned as long as they do not exceed the approved limits in the Attendance Policy for that course. If a student misses class due to an institutionally approved event or for an athletic game, the student must be permitted to make up all missed coursework, quizzes and exams without penalty or late points assigned.

“Excessive absence” from a class means that a student has missed approximately 25 percent of the class periods and, therefore, will be dropped from the class. Should the last date of attendance occur during the first 9 calendar weeks of the semester, a grade of “W” will be placed on the student’s transcript, meaning that the student forfeits any grade or earned credit for the course. Should the last date of attendance occur after the beginning of the 10th calendar week of the semester, a grade of “WF” will be assigned, meaning that the earned credit will affect the student’s cumulative GPA. Being late for class on three occasions is equivalent to one absence.

For all 100 & 200 level courses, the following standards will apply:

For 300, 400, and graduate–level courses, the instructors shall have the right to set any policy they choose, as long as it is not more stringent than allowing one classroom hour of absence for each credit.

In order to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to education and learning for all students, proper classroom etiquette must be observed. For this reason, infants and children will not be allowed in the classroom, and other disruptions such as cellular phones are also considered inappropriate for the classroom.

Upon arrival to a class where the professor is initially absent, students should not vacate the classroom for at least 15 minutes. Professors shall notify the class if they anticipate being absent. No instructor shall use attendance in any way for bonus points, penalties, or exemptions from exams.

Any appeals regarding class attendance must be made to the registrar’s office within 48 hours of notification of withdrawal. These appeals will be routed to the academic dean for review. Appeal forms submitted on the last day of class will not be considered as this does not allow the academic dean time to review the request prior to finals week. Students must continue to attend class and submit all required work until the committee has issued a determination of the case. A student cannot continue to attend class once their appeal has been denied.

CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR EDUCATION MAJORS

Education Clinicals will be scheduled during the semester for 8 concurrent school days in order to meet state licensure requirements. In order to facilitate this for our education students, an exception to the Attendance Policy will be granted for all students enrolled in EDUC-350, EDUC-351, and EDUC-450). The Education Majors Attendance Policy will contain the following provisions:

1. Students will be excused from attending daytime classes during established clinical days, with the exception of evening and online classes

2. Students are responsible for completing all make up work in a timely manner and should not be penalized for missed due dates. Students should maintain their workload in evening and online classes during this period with no extensions on due dates.

3. The faculty member teaching the class will receive an Education Attendance Exception Form from each Education major currently enrolled in a clinical at the earliest date possible. Students must obtain the Professor’s signature on a form and turn this in to the Education Office.

CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR ATHLETES

It is the responsibility of the student athlete to be actively involved in the academic process. Student athletes must approach all of his or her professors as early as possible in a given semester to inform them of games and travel dates that may cause missed class. Student athletes must meet the expectations of the professor regarding test expectations and deadlines.

NOTE: Student athletes are NOT allowed to miss class for practice.

Student athletes do have to miss class from time to time for athletic contests. Student athletes will be given the opportunity to make up any class work, quizzes or tests that are missed due to athletic events. Also, students who exceed the accepted number of class absences due to athletic events will be given an exception to the class absences policy. However, if a student athlete exceeds the number of class absences by missing class for reasons other than an athletic event, the class policy will still be enforced. If extenuating circumstances occur (i.e. sickness, death in the family) a student athlete may petition the academic dean. Athletic events are defined as competitions (outside of practice) and the travel needed to attend those competitions. As a reminder, student athlete absences for practices will not be considered an athletic event. Below are examples of student athlete class attendance:

Student A is a spring athlete. His 200–level bible course meets on Mondays and Thursdays during block C. Per course policy, he is allowed to skip up to six times without being dropped from the course. Because of inclement weather and rescheduling of games,

Student A misses this course seven times. He did not skip the class for reasons other than an athletic contest. Student A cannot be dropped from the course.

Student B is a fall athlete. Her 100–level math course meets on Tuesdays and Fridays during block C. Per course policy, she is allowed to skip up to six times without being dropped from the course. Because of athletic events, she is absent from the course four times throughout the semester. She missed three additional classes for non-athletic reasons; because she has missed seven classes, she is dropped from the class. Though she missed four classes for athletic events, she should still be dropped from the class. If she had extenuating circumstances such as a death in the family or sickness and missed additional classes for those reasons, she can petition to be reinstated in the course through the normal appeals procedure.

For those student athletes who choose to enroll in online courses, class attendance is also required, or the student risks being administratively dropped from the course, thus impacting credits enrolled. Online attendance requires meaningful academic participation. Please see the Online Course Policy below.

The NCAA requires each member institution to have a policy which ensures a student athlete will have the opportunity to compete at a high level athletically without sacrificing the opportunity to excel academically. The NCAA desires to protect the integrity and validate the lessons students receive in both arenas. North Central University seeks to follow these guidelines set by the NCAA.

CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR ONLINE COURSES

In compliance with the definitions provided by 34 CFR §668.22 (l)(7), academic attendance in an online course at North Central University is assessed by student interaction utilizing the designated online platform (LMS). Student logins and electronic activity are used to measure this attendance. Consequently, the University utilizes records of this electronic activity to calculate student billing and financial aid, and for federal and state regulatory reporting. The last date of attendance for financial and reporting purposes will be the date of the student’s last documented academic attendance to the course.

Student attendance must be tracked to ensure accurate student billing and to facilitate proper financial aid and other regulatory reporting. Student attendance is also tracked to assist with student success and retention initiatives. It is the responsibility of both the student and faculty member to ensure attendance is recorded accurately.

DEFINITION OF ONLINE ATTENDANCE

Students meeting any one of these three criteria in a given calendar week* will be deemed as having academically attended the course for that week if the student:

• submits an academic writing assignment due that week

• completes a required quiz or exam scheduled to be taken that week

• makes a meaningful discussion post that meets all of the following conditions:

o addresses the topic of the discussion for that week

o adds an additional academic aspect to the discussion by responding to another student or makes an original post relevant to the topic, and o is submitted in the week for that week

*Calendar weeks are counted from Monday to Sunday and include holidays. Unless the student has been directed as such by the course syllabus, the student should assume the course is not self-paced, and that various activities and assignments will be required throughout the duration of the course.

Non-Attendance

The first week of all online courses requires students to engage in a meaningful way within the first five days. Therefore, each course is set up to have a required but ungraded post due by midnight of day three. These are often in the form of a personal introduction.

Students who have not academically attended the course by midnight on day five of the course will be dropped administratively from the course.

Excessive Absence

Students whose absence from online activity totals more than two calendar weeks after week one will be subject to mandatory withdrawal from the course, in accordance with university policies governing excessive absences.

If the excess absence determination occurs within the first four weeks of the semester, the grade assigned will be a W, which does not affect GPA calculations. For excessive absence determinations beginning at week five and beyond, a grade of "WF" will be assigned. A "WF" has the same impact as an "F" in GPA calculations.

Academic Attendance Petitions for Reinstatement

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from a course and have an extenuating circumstance must make a petition through the registrar’s office within 48 hours of having been notified of their withdrawal.

COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING

Student Responsibilities

Students should academically attend to their courses in a manner that will maximize their chances for academic success. If they choose to stop taking a course, students are responsible for communicating their decision to drop/withdraw to the registrar as soon as that decision has been made. In any case, they remain financially responsible for all costs and expenses associated with the course.

Institutional and Faculty Responsibilities

To assist with the execution of this policy and to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations, all online courses will be required to include an academic assignment within the first five days of the course. In addition, all faculty will be required to monitor and report student absenteeism or lack of satisfactory meaningful participation to the registrar’s office.

Program Policies

ONLINE PROGRAM DEFINITION

Pursuant to the above federal and HLC guidelines, North Central University defines an online program as one in which 50% or more of the courses required are taken as online courses.

PROGRAM FEES

In place of most individual course fees, students will be assessed a Program Fee each semester. Charges will be assessed based on programs declared at the time of Census and are not subject to refunds for changes of major requested after that time. Interdisciplinary Majors will be assessed a Program Fee based on their declared Field 1.

Students pursuing double majors will be assessed the Program Fee (if applicable) for each major. Charges are assessed for declared programs and are never based on current semester enrollment in classes that may only apply to one major or progress towards completion in either major.

DOUBLE MAJORS

For students pursuing a double major, accreditation requires completion of 30 unique credits in order for both majors to be awarded upon graduation. Likewise, a minor of 18 credits must include 9 unique credits not counted towards the major in order to be awarded, or 50% of the credits if a minor exceeds 18 credits. There are some majors and minors that cannot be combined due to these requirements (e.g. Music Major and a Music Minor).

In order to declare a second major, students must have completed a minimum of 30 credits, earning a 3.0 cum GPA or higher. Any student who drops below the 2.0 cum GPA required for graduation will need to drop their second major until they improve their GPA. This will help ensure academic success and reduce the semester workload until the student returns to Good Academic Standing.

MINORS AND CERTIFICATES

In order to add a minor, students must have completed one semester at NCU. Only students pursuing a bachelor-level degree can request to add a minor or certificate to their program. They cannot be conferred along with an associate of arts degree.

Grades

Effective as of the Fall 2018 semester, the grades utilized by North Central, along with their point values are shown below:

Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by multiplying the appropriate grade value for grades earned by the number of credits for that class, and then dividing that number by the total number of credits earned (HE). This calculation appears on each transcript – both for the “semester” and the “cumulative” enrollment periods. Only letter grades earned at NCU influence academic grade point average. A GPA of at least 2.0 is required for graduation from North Central University, with the exception of the Education majors, which require an overall (cumulative) GPA of 2.5, and the Social Work majors, which also require a cumulative GPA of 2.25.

Grades are directly linked to “registration”. Unless a student is properly registered for a class, no credit or grade can be awarded.

Any coursework submitted after the scheduled final exam cannot be included in the calculations of the final grade for that course, unless there is an approved Incomplete Grade Request on file with the registrar’s office.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

The grade of “I” (Incomplete) is a temporary grade which indicates that, for extenuating circumstances (i.e., serious illness, death in the family, etc.), the student was unable to complete the work by the end of the semester. Any student requesting an extension must still be attending class through the end of the semester and have completed a minimum of 60% of all coursework prior to finals week. The student must complete the Incomplete Grade Request prior to the end of the semester. The form must be signed by the instructor and approved by the dean and registrar prior to the beginning of finals week.

Students may not submit coursework for grading after the final exam for that class without an approved Incomplete Grade Request.

Any student receiving an “I” must work closely with his/her professor to successfully complete all outstanding work within 6 weeks of the last day of the semester. This means that, together, a shared responsibility exists between student and professor for the fulfillment of course requirements and the submission of an appropriate earned grade within the 6–week period. In all

cases, professors may require an earlier completion time frame. Requests to exceed the 6–week incomplete period will be reviewed and determined on a case-by-case basis. Students will be assigned a due date within the 6–week period, and no work can be accepted for grading past that date. The instructor will be given a separate due date for the final grade to be submitted to the registrar in order to allow sufficient time for grading all coursework.

All unresolved incompletes will become a failing grade once the established due date has passed. No student with an “I” for a given semester is eligible for school honors in that semester. Graduating seniors who end their last semester with an “I” must complete all course requirements within the given time frame in order to receive a diploma.

PASS/FAIL GRADING BASIS

Student teaching, international fieldwork, selected internships, and other courses approved by the Deans’ Council may be graded on a Pass/Fail (P/F) basis. A grade of "P" is equivalent to a "C–" or better. A "P" grade fulfills the degree requirement but does not carry grade points and is not included in GPA calculations. Students may not request to take a regular course on a Pass/Fail basis.

GRADE CHANGES

Grade changes will be accepted by the registrar’s office only in the cases of documented clerical error, miscalculation or by appeal to the provost as a result of extenuating circumstances. A faculty member cannot reassess previously submitted material and submit a new grade. Students may not submit coursework for grading after the final exam for a course. Final Grades must be calculated based on work submitted through the Final Exam, and work submitted after the exam cannot be the basis for a grade change request unless an Incomplete Grade Request has been approved.

Re-evaluation of a student’s performance is not considered a legitimate reason for a change of grade. A student may appeal a grade with the faculty member involved through the end of the semester immediately following the one in question (i.e. a professor may only make a change for the preceding semester). A grade change form must be submitted to the registrar’s office and will include the reason for the change. This policy will be outlined in the Faculty Manual. In extreme cases of extenuating circumstances or information that arises after the grade has been submitted, the appropriate dean, in conjunction with the faculty member, will review a petition for a change of grade.

Academic Standing Policy

It is expected that a student will make satisfactory progress toward a degree, diploma or certificate. An Academic Warning, Academic Probation, and Academic Provisional Continuance list is compiled each semester, based on the student’s academic achievement for the previous semester.

The following information states the required total cumulative grade point average (GPA) necessary for the student to remain in good academic standing based upon the total number of credit hours which the student has attempted

Students with a semester or cumulative grade point average below 2.0 will be notified in writing by the registrar's office and placed in one of the following categories:

• Academic Warning – When a student’s semester GPA is lower than 2.0 or the cumulative GPA is lower than 2.0 but above the good standing requirement, the student will be placed on an Academic Warning status for the following semester. There are no sanctions associated with a warning status, but the student is encouraged to utilize resources available in Academic Success. If a student enters a second semester of Academic Warning, the student will be placed on Academic Probation. This season of probation will involve flexibility to work with the student’s academic support team.

• Academic Probation – When a student’s cumulative GPA falls below the level of good standing, as noted in the chart above, or a student earns a semester GPA below good standing in two consecutive semesters, the student will be placed on an Academic Probation status for the following semester. The maximum academic load for students on Academic Probation is 16 credit hours, and students must receive permission from the registrar and Director of Academic Success to enroll in any online courses. Students are limited to participation in one extra-curricular activity. In addition, students will be required to take one of the Keys to Academic Development courses, as determined by Academic Success.

• Academic Provisional Continuance – The student who does not attain a cumulative GPA above the level of good standing after being placed on Academic Probation (at any point in his or her academic career) will be placed on Academic Provisional Continuance. Any student with a cumulative GPA that is below 1.0 will be placed on Academic Provisional Continuance. This is a heightened status meant to be more stringent than probation. A student on Academic Provisional Continuance will not be allowed to enroll in more than 16 credit hours or participate in extra-curricular activities such as campus leadership, organizations, ministry teams or athletics to name a few. Enrollment in online courses is not permitted Students will be required to take one of the Keys to Academic Development courses, as determined by Academic Success.

• Return to Good Academic Standing – A student will be declared in Good Academic Standing at the end of any given semester when their cumulative GPA meets the requirements for good standing.

that status rather than moving to Academic Dismissal as long as graduation and financial aid eligibility are still met. In addition, any student whose cumulative GPA is below 0.5 will be reviewed by committee and could face academic dismissal.

Academic Dismissal Appeals should be made in writing to the registrar and will be reviewed by the Academic Progress Committee. They may also be considered by the provost and others, as additional input is needed. Individuals who have been dismissed for academic reasons may reapply after they have attended another college and earned at least 6 credits of “C” academic work that will transfer to NCU. The Admissions Committee will, upon receipt of a transcript from that institution, consider the reapplication request.

Academic Standing and Withdrawals from the University

Academic Standing Statuses remain in effect even if a student leaves North Central University. Upon readmission to the University, the student will be notified of the current requirements and restrictions of their academic standing in effect at the time of their last semester of enrollment.

Any student who withdraws from North Central University during the “W” period will leave in Good Academic Standing. They will not be penalized for a “0” Semester GPA. If a student leaves with any “WF” grades on their record and a 0 GPA, they will be placed on a Provisional Continuance status.

Provisional Admittance

Students who do not meet the minimum acceptance requirements are accepted provisionally. All students accepted provisionally must meet the following conditions during their first semester at North Central:

• Enroll and pass the required GS 150: Keys to College Success course. This course is designed to help a student develop and improve the study skills he or she will need for college–level work.

• Registration is limited to 16 credits for the first semester and enrollment in online courses must be approved by Academic Success

• Any student who does not meet the GPA required for good academic standing at the end of their first semester will be placed on Academic Probation and required to take Advanced College Success (GS 155).

Withdrawal Policy

A student who finds it necessary to withdraw from the University after they have started attending classes must initiate this process with their Academic Coach (PSEO, Online Undergraduates, or Graduate Studies) or with the One Stop Office (Residential Undergraduates). All students should complete a Withdrawal Form & Exit Survey as part of this process. The date on which a student notifies the University of their intent to withdraw will be the date used to calculate any available refund. Refunds of tuition, general fee, technology fee, and room charges will be calculated according to the University’s Refund Policy.

The student will receive a grade of ‘W’ on his or her transcript for each class if a complete withdrawal is made by the ninth week of the semester. After the beginning of the tenth week, a grade of ‘WF’ will be listed on the transcript.

Involuntary Withdrawals: If a student is dismissed for disciplinary reasons, a grade of ‘W’ or ‘WF’ will be listed on the transcript based on the date of withdrawal. The regular refund policy applies for a student who is dismissed for disciplinary reasons.

MEDICAL WITHDRAWAL POLICY

A student may request and be considered for a medical withdrawal when extraordinary circumstances, such as a serious illness (physical or psychological) or injury prevent the student from continuing classes. Students requesting to withdraw from all courses for medical reasons should complete the Medical Withdrawal Form, attach appropriate documentation, and submit the form and documentation to the Director of Academic Success. Requests will be evaluated by the Medical Withdrawal Committee.

Students who medically withdraw from the University do not have to reapply, but they do need to be readmitted by the Director of Academic Success. Readmission is not guaranteed and is dependent on a medical release to return to school.

Students requesting a withdrawal are responsible for contacting the Director of Academic Success in order to receive guidance, initiate the withdrawal process, and submit the appropriate forms.

Acceptable documentation must include a physician’s signature, a specific recommendation to withdraw due to medical reasons, and dates verifying that the medical condition corresponds to the semester in which the medical withdrawal is requested. Last date of attendance will be confirmed through the registrar’s office.

Requests for Medical Withdrawal must be submitted during the semester for which the student is withdrawing; they cannot be granted retroactively. Requests must be initiated within three weeks of the student’s last day of attendance and be made prior to the last two weeks of class. Students who are required to discontinue for more than one academic year or for an undetermined amount of time will not be eligible for Medical Withdrawal.

Medical withdrawal documentation will be kept confidential and only shared to the extent required with offices related to providing accommodations for the student: Registrar, One Stop, and Housing.

In the event a student is incapacitated and unable to submit a timely request or provide advance notice, a family member or other authorized individual may make the written request and provide medical documentation to the Director of Academic Success.

Students will need to indicate their intent to return to the Director of Academic Success. Should a student be approved for medical withdrawal, a hold will be placed on his/her account, limiting

ability to register or apply for housing until the student communicates their intent to return to the Director of Academic Success and submits supporting documentation from their physician indicating ability to return as a student. Once this hold is lifted, students will have access to all university systems. Students are required to initiate their return process with the Director of Academic Success.

Requests will be approved if all requirements are met and there is a reasonable expectation the student will return from their medical leave. If the medical withdrawal is not approved, the student may appeal by submitting a written request to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Once an appeal is submitted, the Director of Academic Success will forward all supporting documentation, including the medical documentation submitted by the student, to the Vice President for review.

Academic accommodations for a medical withdrawal may include:

• Students who have completed 60% or more of their registered courses and are in good academic standing will receive Incompletes in all of their courses and will have until the end of the semester following their withdrawal to complete their courses. Should a student fail to complete their courses in the time allotted, a non-punitive grade of “W” will be issued.

• For students who have completed 60% or more of their registered courses, but for whom completion is not likely due to the nature of their medical condition, they will receive the non-punitive grade of “W” for all of their courses.

• Students who have completed less than 60% of registered courses will be issued a non-punitive grade of “W”. Students who have not completed 60% or more of their registered courses will not be eligible for incomplete grades.

Financial accommodations for a medical withdrawal may include:

• For students who have completed less than 60% of their registered courses, an extended refund schedule may be available; please attach a financial advisory petition.

• Students who have completed 60% or more of their registered courses will not receive any financial accommodation for tuition, as they will be permitted to complete their courses via incompletes.

• Students who receive no financial accommodation but are later unable to complete their incomplete courses in the time allotted, are encouraged to utilize the Financial Advisory Petition process should they wish to seek financial accommodation.

A Medical Withdrawal does not dismiss the student from the entire financial obligation to the University. Room and Board will be refunded according to the withdrawal date.

The U S Department of Education does not recognize a “Medical Withdrawal” any different from a regular withdrawal. If a student who has received financial aid withdrawals before completing 60% of the semester (whether for health reasons or not), the Department requires the financial aid office to perform a “Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)” calculation to determine what financial aid needs to be returned to the appropriate federal and state education entities.

Academic Appeal Procedures

The faculty member is the main voice regarding individual course policies, course expectations, and the assignment of grades. Students who believe that a reported grade is in error or that they are treated unfairly in their academic experience should make every effort to resolve the issue first with the faculty member. If a student still feels that they have been treated improperly, they may then discuss the situation with the respective department director, and if necessary, the Dean of the College. Appeals to department directors or deans must be received within three weeks after making the attempt to resolve the issue with the faculty member.

For all other types of denied academic petitions, a student can submit a written Academic Appeal to the Registrar if they feel that there are new extenuating circumstances that should be taken into consideration regarding a denied petition. The registrar will work with the dean to resolve the issue or will escalate the appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for review. As a last course of action, the student may submit a written appeal directly to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for consideration.

Honors

DEAN’S LIST

Students with a minimum of 12 credit hours, a cumulative GPA greater than 2.0, and a semester GPA of 3.5 or above are placed on the Dean’s List for that semester. A grade of Incomplete disqualifies students from the Dean’s List for that semester.

HONOR SOCIETIES

• Kappa Delta Pi is the International Honor Society in Education for education majors who have at least a sophomore status and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Psi Chi is the national psychology honor society for students majoring or minoring in Social & Behavioral Sciences

• Sigma Beta Delta is the international honors society for business, management, and administration students, who are at least junior status and rank in the upper 20 percent of their class.

• Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society.

• Theta Alpha Kappa is the honor society for Bible and Theology

• American Sign Language Society is the American Sign Language Teacher’s Association honors society for ASL majors.

• Lambda Pi Eta is the National Communication Association’s honor society for Communications majors.

Graduation

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The following are required for graduation:

• Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree and 60 credits for an associate of arts degree. Special requirements and required credit totals for each program are listed by the department offering the degree and may exceed 120 credits.

• Completion of a minimum of 36 upper-level (300+) credits are required for conferral of a bachelor’s degree.

• A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 (“C” average) is required for all degree or certificate candidates, with the following exceptions:

o Education majors must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5

o Social Work majors must earn a minimum cumulative 2.25 GPA.

• To receive an associate or bachelor’s degree or a certificate, 27 of the final 33 credits must be taken in residency at North Central University.

• All students must meet faculty standards regarding Christian character and conduct. Conduct judged unworthy of the standards of Christian conduct at NCU will be deemed sufficient cause for removing a student’s name from the annual graduation list.

• All candidates for an associate of arts degree and bachelor’s degree must file an Application for Graduation with the registrar’s office the semester before their intended Commencement ceremony participation/last semester of attendance (See current NCU website for exact dates).

• Students must meet the prescribed standards of assessment as established by the faculty.

• A student is subject to the academic requirements of the catalog for the year in which enrollment first occurred. If a student changes majors or leaves the University and is later readmitted, the academic requirements that are in effect at the time of the change or readmission must be met.

• All graduation requirements must be completed before a student may participate in Commencement activities or a degree is awarded.

• Students may petition the registrar’s office to participate in the May Commencement ceremony with up to 6 credits left to complete after participation. Student must provide their graduation application, petition, and proof that they are taking steps towards completing their final requirements within the semester following participation.

• A student must earn a minimum of 125 credits towards graduation before any credits can be counted to meet a second degree requirement. For the full policy on double counting credits, please refer to the Course Policy Section of the catalog.

• A student will receive a December graduation date if all coursework is completed in the fall semester. The May graduation date exists for students completing their coursework in May. A student will receive a July or August graduation date if coursework is completed in the summer semester. All graduating students are encouraged to participate in Commencement ceremonies.

• Diplomas will be printed with the student’s legal name as entered into the student record at the time the degree is conferred using the following format: first name, middle initial,

and last name. This will ensure that the name on the transcript and the diploma are identical.

DOUBLE MAJORS

GRADUATION HONORS

Graduating students in bachelor programs who have completed no less than 45 credits in residence at North Central University will be awarded graduation honors based on cumulative grade point average as follows: 3.80–4.0, Summa Cum Laude; 3.65–3.79, Magna Cum Laude; 3.50–3.64, Cum Laude. Honors are based on the cumulative GPA after the semester preceding graduation. However, the final cumulative GPA will be used in the calculation of honors indicated on the diploma and permanent transcript. Full–time enrollment is required for consideration of graduation honors.

Students graduating with an associate or master’s degree are not eligible for graduation honors.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR FINAL 33 CREDITS

In order for a student to receive a degree or certificate, 27 of the final 33 credits of the program must be taken in residence at North Central University. This applies to both the associate and bachelor’s degrees.

TRANSCRIPTS

Official transcripts are issued only upon the written authorization by the student, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students can request their transcripts by following the step-by-step process found on the National Student Clearinghouse website listed below. The time frame for processing official transcript requests is five to seven business days.

National Student Clearinghouse website: www.GetMyTranscript.com

Students who have a past due financial obligation to the University are encouraged to set up a payment plan when requesting official transcripts. Payment plans can be set up by contacting the One Stop directly.

Requests for duplicate diplomas will fall under the same guidelines as official transcripts. The cost for a duplicate transcript is $30, including postage. These can be requested online at Duplicate Diploma Requests.

Unofficial transcripts can be printed directly from Self Service by the student at any time. Access will not be restricted due to financial holds on the student’s account.

Academic Integrity

General Principles

As Christians we must pursue holiness in all areas of our lives and thus consider academic honesty and ethical intellectual pursuit of primary importance in our walk with the Lord and consistent with the core values of the University.

Definitions

Dishonesty in academic pursuits includes intentional plagiarism, cheating, or fabrication which includes, but is not limited to roster fraud and attendance deception. Academic dishonesty includes intentionally helping or soliciting another to commit an act of academic dishonesty.

Plagiarism is commonly defined as intentionally using the words, phrases, or ideas of another person as if they were your own. Direct quotations must be properly identified and cited. Standard protocols for acknowledgement of sources is required when material from another source is copied directly, paraphrased, or summarized in an academic assignment.

North Central University views plagiarism as a serious offense. It is against the broader rules of scholarship within the North American scholarly community to use the ideas or words of another person without giving that person credit. Whether the other source is a textbook, another book, an article, a friend, a blog, or a website, students should indicate clearly that another source has been used and precisely what elements of the work being submitted are drawn from that source.

Inventing information or citations would be classified as fabrication, and may not be used in any laboratory experiment, assignment, or classroom exercise.

Roster Fraud and Attendance Deception is intentionally or knowingly signing or otherwise indicating another student’s presence in a class when he or she is not present. This is a form of “fabrication” or lying and constitutes academic dishonesty.

Multiple Submissions

Students are prohibited from submitting parts or all of a paper in multiple classes. Students must not change and resubmit previous academic work without prior permission from the instructors over the course in which the work was previously submitted and the course in which the work, in whole or in part, will be submitted.

Violations and Response

Any verified violation of the academic integrity policy will result in action fitting the gravity of the offense and may range from grade reduction to failure on an individual assignment to failure for an entire course. Compounding the situation with multiple occurrences, further dishonesty, or other violations may result in more serious consequences. In extreme cases, violations of academic integrity may result in dismissal from the University. All documented violations of academic integrity will be kept on record in the Office of the Provost and in the student’s conduct file.

First Offense Procedures

The Office of the Provost should be notified of any documented violation of academic integrity. Determination of appropriate sanction for an individual violation will be left with the instructor in consultation with the program director and/or dean. In most cases, a grade of F will be given on the individual assignment and/or a requirement that the assignment be resubmitted. Should a student challenge the sanction, the Dean of the College may convene an ad hoc “academic integrity committee” consisting of at least two faculty members (not including the original instructor) who shall review the specifics of the incident.

Multiple or Repeated Offenses

If records kept by the Office of the Provost indicate that a student has committed multiple academic integrity violations within the same course or in multiple courses, the student’s program director and/or Dean of the College will be notified so that appropriate intervention and disciplinary measures can be implemented.

A violation of the academic integrity policy more than once within the same course may result in a failure for the course. If a student commits a violation of academic integrity in multiple courses, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, in consultation with the student’s program director and/or dean may convene an ad hoc “academic integrity committee” of at least three faculty members to review the incidents and submit a recommended course of action. Sanctions may vary from simple warning, to grade reductions, to dismissal. The VP of Academic Affairs must approve the Committee’s decision before the University acts on it. If a student is dismissed, he/she is not able to return for one entire semester following the dismissal.

Transfer Credit Information

TRANSFER CREDIT EVALUATION PROCESS

Registrar’s office staff will evaluate official transcripts and communicate the results to accepted students. We try to do this within 14 business days. Students can submit courses from unofficial transcripts to https://transfers.northcentral.edu. Questions regarding transcript evaluation should be directed to the registrar’s office at registrar@northcentral.edu or 612.343.4409. Upon completion of courses, official transcripts should be sent to: North Central University

Attn: Registrar’s Office 910 Elliot Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

In order to graduate from North Central University, 27 of a student's final 33 credits must be taken in residence at NCU. This allows flexibility for students to transfer six of their last 33 credits if necessary. Advanced Standing credit is also included in this 6-credit limit if an exception to policy is approved and AS credit is processed after the first two semesters of enrollment at the University.

In addition, NCU requires that students in all degree programs complete a minimum of 50% of program-specific credits within that program through North Central University. The 50% program-specific residency requirement applies to credits within the major, minor, Interdisciplinary Field 1 and Field 2, as well as certificates.

The one exception to this policy is the Christian Studies Minor earned by all students at North Central University. Students can transfer in a maximum of 15 credits towards this minor, with the exception that at least one Worldview Theology elective must be taken at the University.

Credits will be transferred to NCU in the order that the official transcripts are received in the registrar’s office. Credits that do not meet Residency Requirements will not be transferred to NCU. Approval of transfer requests on the Transfer Credit Request Form does not guarantee acceptance of credits.

CLARIFICATION OF TERMINOLOGY

The purpose of this notification is to promote a more standardized approach to the usage of these terms within our Institution by publishing the meanings that the registrar’s office is currently associating with this terminology. The terms under consideration are: "Exempt," "Transfer," and “Portfolio Review” The distinguishing features of each term are as follows:

Exempt

Exempt implies that one has met the requirements of a given program via placement exam or other criteria. Passing a placement exam (music theory or ASL language proficiency) allows a student to move into the next course, but does not earn credit towards a degree. Students must take major electives or general electives to make up for this credit deficiency, as approved by their advisor.

Transfer

To transfer credit means "to accept the qualified academic semester credits (Carnegie units) from another educational entity”; it also implies academic compatibility and equivalency of academic quality standards and competencies that are synonymous with at least "C-" (70%) at NCU. On the transcript, transfer credits appear as "TR" and do not affect GPA.

Please note that once transfer credit has been awarded based on receipt of an official transcript, it will not be removed or waived by a request from the student. Transcripts will be reviewed upon request when a student changes majors to evaluate additional credits that could be transferred to NCU. At no time will any processed transfer credits be deleted or removed from the student record.

Transfer credits come from accredited academic sources such as:

• Qualified Colleges or Universities

• CLEP (College Level Examination Proficiency) exam*

• AP (Advanced Placement) exam*

• IBE (International Baccalaureate Exams)*

• DSST/DANTES Exams*

*Please note that a maximum of 30 Credits will be accepted for transfer from CLEP, AP,IB DANTES and Advanced Standing combined.

"Portfolio Review"

Portfolio Assessment is reserved for students with professional competencies gained prematriculation from career experience that “translate” into similar competencies for specific coursework at NCU. Examples include, but are not limited to, certifications, work experience, and published works. Students must submit thorough portfolio documentation which will be subject to faculty review in order to determine the course equivalencies for demonstrated competencies. Portfolio credits cannot exceed 21 towards a Bachelor’s degree Portfolio review can occur after a student has completed one semester at NCU.

TRANSFER CREDIT POLICY

1) Credit will be transferrable from institutions approved by one of the regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These are:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC–CIHE).

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) – Western Association of Schools and Colleges

• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) – Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

2) CHEA (Council on Higher Education) recognized accrediting agencies will be accepted for transfer. All courses will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis.

3) Only courses with a grade of “C– “ or better will be accepted for transfer. Transfer credit will be not awarded for courses graded on a pass/fail (P/F) or satisfactory (S) basis unless the transcript documents that the “P” or “S” grade is the equivalent of a “C– “ or higher.

4) Transferable credits are accepted to North Central University to the extent that they apply to a student’s declared program of study. Some programs, like Applied Studies, Education, and Social Work, have program–specific limitations on transfer credits based on accreditation standards or licensure requirements. Evaluation is done by the registrar’s office in collaboration with the deans and school directors, if necessary and relevant credits are articulated upon payment of the enrollment deposit and declaration of a major. The relevancy of general education courses are determined by course content and will be accepted for transfer corresponding to the equivalency requirements for the General Education Courses document.

• Transfer limitations for Applied Studies majors are set at a maximum of 30 credits of both General Education and upper-level general elective credits. This is limited to ensure that Residency Policy is met and all accreditation standards for bachelor’s

degrees are adhered to.

5) Current students must complete a Transfer Credit Petition and submit the form to the registrar’s office for evaluation prior to registration for those classes at another institution. Approval from the dean or director is required for transfer requests to the major core.

6) Residency requirements for an associate of arts degree requires a minimum of 30 credits taken at NCU. For a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 50% of the major core must be taken at NCU. Residency policy permits a maximum of 6 credits that can be transferred within the final 33 credits towards an associate or bachelor’s degree, including both transfer and any Advanced Standing credit approved for acceptance outside of policy.

7) Advanced Standing credits will be accepted for transfer so long as official documentation is submitted to the registrar’s office prior to degree conferral, but it is recommended that students send official scores as soon as possible to be reviewed for program applicability. Credits cannot be counted toward degree requirements until official scores are received by the registrar’s office at North Central. A maximum of 30 combined credits will be accepted from the following sources:

• CLEP (College Level Exam Proficiency) tests

• AP (Advanced Placement) exams

• IBE (International Baccalaureate Exams)

• DSST/DANTES exams

• Advanced Standing credit

8) Transfer credit accepted from another institution is reflected on the North Central transcript with a grade of “TR”. Advanced Standing awarded for prior learning will be noted on the transcript with a grade of “AS”. Neither TR or AS grades will be included in North Central GPA calculations.

9) Transfer implies the recognition of academic merit of a course or program of study. Advanced Standing is not justified on the basis of the academic merit of a course or program, but rather the education achieved by the active, supervised participation of the individual in an applied or real-world setting. In some cases, Advanced Standing may be justified for education received in an unaccredited setting, where transfer credit would not be justified. Credits pre-approved for Advanced Standing from unaccredited discipleship programs will be awarded upon the successful completion of one semester at NCU where the student is in good academic standing (GPA 2.0 or higher).

10) All determinations regarding Advanced Standing will be made by North Central University. It should be understood that Advanced Standing credits from other institutions will not be transferred to North Central University.

11) Continuing Education (CEU) credits and Straighterline exam scores are not accepted for transfer at NCU.

12) The Joint Services Transcript (JST), which documents coursework taken in the military, is accepted as evidence equivalent to an academic transcript. The JST includes equivalent experience/coursework from the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. Air Force veterans must submit an official transcript from the Community College of the Air Force (CCFA) or Air Force University (AU). Military service records will not be accepted as evidence equivalent to academic transcripts from a college or university. The JST can be

requested by visiting: https://jst.doded.mil/official.html. Air Force Veterans can request a transcript by visiting: https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Barnes/CCAF/non_airforce/. The Deans’ Council will provide oversight for all transfer credit policies, and will review as needed to ensure compliance with all accreditation standards and requirements.

INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER CREDIT

Because of the great variety of types of educational institutions that exist around the world, as well as how difficult it is to assess foreign equivalencies to American terminology and standards, North Central University requires academic credit earned from institutions located outside of the United States not only to be documented with transcripts or similar official reports, but also to be evaluated using an agency approved by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) or the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES). Transfer credit will be assessed based on equivalency to collegiate work completed at regionally accredited institutions in the United States.

In addition, North Central University reserves the right to determine how such transfer credits might apply, or might not apply, to the specific requirements of a particular course of study. In other words, although NCU might recognize foreign academic coursework as being of acceptable academic quality, the University might also determine that the subject matter of this coursework is such that it will not meet any of the specific requirements of a particular academic program. International students must have their transcripts evaluated by an AACRAO or NACES-endorsed evaluation service and submitted directly to the admissions office.

Just as it is the responsibility of a student seeking transfer credit to provide NCU with relevant transcripts, it is also the responsibility of the student seeking foreign transfer credit to bear the cost of this evaluation.

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing implies that one is eligible to receive college credit for life experiences gained prior to matriculation as a new student through unaccredited educational programs, like YWAM, that "translate" into similar competencies gained through specific coursework at NCU or from approved exams like CLEP, AP, or IB.

Please note that a maximum of 30 Credits will be accepted for transfer from CLEP, AP, IB, DANTES, and Advanced Standing combined. All official documentation for Advanced Standing credit must be submitted to the registrar’s office prior to degree conferral, but it is recommended that students send official scores as soon as possible to be reviewed for program applicability. Credits cannot be counted toward degree requirements until official scores are received by the Registrar’s Office. Approval of a Transfer Credit Request does not guarantee acceptance if the official documentation or transcript is not received within this credit limit.

Please see the NCU website at https://www.northcentral.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/ for a complete listing of the exams approved for transfer under the Transfer Guides for CLEP, AP, DANTES, and IB.

PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT

Portfolio Assessment is reserved for students with professional competencies gained prematriculation from career experience that “translate” into similar competencies for specific coursework at NCU. Examples include, but are not limited to certifications, work experience, and published works. Students must submit thorough portfolio documentation which will be subject to faculty review in order to determine the course equivalencies for demonstrated competencies. Portfolio Credits cannot exceed 21 towards a bachelor’s degree and tuition rates apply. Portfolio assessment can occur after a student has completed one semester at NCU.

EXAM POLICY

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP), along with AP, IB, and DANTES offer an opportunity to earn college–level credit for knowledge already acquired. North Central University accepts many of these exams as transfer credits to meet the equivalent course requirements based on minimum required exam scores.

Double credit may not be received by taking the course in addition to passing an exam test. Credit will only be granted in areas where coursework has not been taken.

When taking a CLEP exam, use the code 6505 to have all scores forwarded to North Central University. Additional information about CLEP can be found at www.collegeboard.org. Specific information regarding tests and course requirements can be found in the registrar’s office.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE CREDIT

North Central awards Advanced Standing credit for students who earn a World Language Proficiency Certificate or receive a Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seal.

• Students must submit official documentation upon enrollment at NCU and within three academic years of graduation from high school.

• Students will be awarded 8 credits of Advanced Standing to be applied to either a foreign language requirement or general elective credit.

• A placement exam will also be required for students taking ASL, Greek, or Hebrew as part of their program of study.

• To learn details about the Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seals and World Language Proficiency Certificates, see the Minnesota Department of Education’s FAQ found on https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/stds/world/index.htm

Academic Support Services

By providing a personalized one-on-one environment, the Academic Success staff strives to build professional and personal relationships with students in order to carefully assess their individual needs and offer appropriate academic support. Our services can help clarify and reinforce classroom learning, enhance specific skills (e.g. writing, test-taking, memory), or provide a network of support for academic aspirations.

Academic Services Include:

• One-on-one consultation to assess how the school can meet the student’s needs

• Tutoring in general education subjects

• Academic Coaching a performance-improvement program

• Writing consultations, support, and feedback for class papers

• Assistance in breaking through writer’s block when facing a paper

• Assistance to students who are studying with a learning disorder

• Study skills courses

• Study groups and test preparation strategies

• Workshops

• Exam proctoring

Students with Disabilities

North Central University is committed to providing optimal educational opportunities for all students, including those enrolled or admitted who have disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

College policy provides for reasonable accommodations to be made for students with disabilities on an individual and flexible basis. It is the responsibility of students with disabilities to seek available assistance and make their needs known to the Accessibility Staff. In order to determine accommodations for special needs, North Central University asks students to submit a recent (within the last three years) professional assessment that documents the disability.

For assistance with special services, students should contact the Accessibility Staff at ada@northcentral.edu. We work to ensure equal access for students with documented disabilities. Services provided include equal access, academic accommodations, and support.

Title II Reporting

In accordance with Section 207 of Title II of the Higher Education Act, North Central is required to inform the public of the performance of completers of the teacher preparation program on teacher certification/licensure assessments used by the State of Minnesota.

For academic year 2021–2022, the most recent year for which reporting is available, the pass rate for those taking the MTLE exams were as follows:

Total Number of Program Completers: 22

Summary Pass Rates

The NCU Education 2021–2022 program statistics:

• 15 students formally admitted to the Education Program

• NCU’s Education program requires 696 hours of supervised practice teaching

• The average student-faculty ratio for supervised practice teaching is 4:1

• Average placement rate for NCU Education graduates into a full-time teaching or education-related field is 71.43%. (Calculated based on those who completed our graduate survey and who actively sought a job in education.)

• 2 NCU alumni have been named the Minnesota Teacher of the Year since 2000.

If anyone desires to examine the report, copies may be obtained by request. Contact the registrar’s office at ext. 4409

Notice of Student Rights under FERPA

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

North Central University complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). This Act was designed to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through formal and informal hearings.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT NOTICE

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, provides certain rights to students regarding their educational records. All students are protected under this act from the time they begin attending classes at North Central University, regardless of age or minor status. Each year, North Central University is required to give notice of the various rights accorded to students pursuant to FERPA. In accordance with FERPA, all students are notified of the following rights:

Right to give permission for disclosure of personally identifiable information. Students have the right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s records, except to the extent that FERPA and the regulations regarding FERPA authorize disclosure without the student’s permission.

FERPA AUTHORIZATIONS AND THE FERPA PIN

Students must complete the FERPA Authorization Form in order to notify the university in writing of their standing release to the university to disclose confidential student information from the registrar’s office, One Stop, Housing, or Student Life.

Students must present their North Central University photo ID when requesting information in person at various university offices. Written requests for information must come from the student’s secure NCU email account. In order to request information over the telephone, a FERPA Pin will be required from both the student and any individuals authorized on the student’s account. Parents or legal guardians authorized on the account will be required to

provide their student’s name, their name and relationship to the student, along with the FERPA Pin.

Right to withhold disclosure of “Directory Information”. FERPA uses the term “directory information” to refer to those categories of personally identifiable information that may be released for any purpose at the discretion of North Central University without notification of the request or disclosure to the student. “Directory information is . . . information contained in an educational record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.” (FERPA Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Part 99.3).

Under FERPA, the student has the right to withhold the disclosure of the directory information listed below, called a Directory Block. Students should consider very carefully the consequences of any decision to withhold directory information. Should a student decide to inform North Central University not to release directory information, any further request for such information from persons or organizations outside of North Central University will be refused without a written release of information from the student.

The Directory Block remains in effect, even after graduation or withdrawal from North Central University, unless revoked by the student in writing. The Block can be revoked at any time simply by updating the Directory Block Form online, and requesting to revoke an existing block.

“Directory information” includes the following:

1. The student’s name

2. The student’s address and telephone number

3. The student’s institution–issued email address

4. The student’s class standing (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior)

5. Current enrollment status (full–time or part–time)

6. The student’s major

7. The student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports

8. The student’s degrees, honors, and awards received

9. The weight and height of members of athletic team

10. The student’s dates of attendance

11. The student’s photograph

North Central University will honor the student’s request to withhold all directory information but cannot assume responsibility to contact the student for subsequent permission to release it. North Central University assumes no liability for honoring the student’s instructions that such information be withheld. Forms for the Directory Block are available online or from the registrar, and will be effective based on the date they are entered into the system.

North Central University discloses education records without a student's prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. School officials at NCU include the following: any person employed by NCU in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position, or a volunteer serving in one of these positions, companies with whom NCU has contracted (e.g. attorney, auditor, collection agency), Board of Regents, or students serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or assisting another school official in performing his or

her tasks. Information will only be disclosed to school officials if they have a legitimate educational interest to access the information. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the University.

Upon request, the University also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

Right to inspect and review educational records. Students have the right to review and inspect substantially all of their education records maintained by or at North Central University within 45 days once the request for access has been received by the registrar’s office.

A student who wishes to inspect education records should submit a written request to the registrar identifying the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The registrar or appropriate designee will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the requested records are not maintained by the registrar's office, the registrar shall advise the student of the correct university official to whom the request should be addressed.

Right to request amendment of education records. Students have the right to seek to have corrected any parts of an education record that are believed to be inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s right to privacy.

A student who wishes to ask the University to amend a record should submit a written request to the registrar which clearly identifies the part of the record the student wants changed, and specifies why it should be changed. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested, the University will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student's right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing. If, after a hearing, the University decides not to amend the record as requested, the student has the right to submit a personal statement in which they contest the accuracy of the record, which will become a part of the student's academic file alongside the disputed record.

Release of Educational Information

No additional educational information will be released, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent, without the explicit written consent of the student. Requests for the University to release student educational information must be in writing and must explicitly indicate what information is to be released and to whom.

Right to Complain to FERPA Office

• Students have the right to file a complaint with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office, Department of Education, 600 Independence Ave S.W. Washington D.C., 20202, if the student believes that North Central University has violated the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

• Students have the right to obtain a copy of the written North Central University policy regarding FERPA. A copy may be obtained in person from the registrar’s office.

Notice of Possible Federal and State Government Data Collection and Use

As of January 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education's FERPA regulations expand the circumstances under which the student’s education records and personally identifiable information (PII) contained in such records including the Social Security Number, grades, or other private information may be accessed without the student’s consent. First, the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local education authorities ("Federal and State Authorities") may allow access to a student’s records and PII without the student’s consent to any third party designated by a Federal or State Authority to evaluate a federal- or state-supported education program. The evaluation may relate to any program that is "principally engaged in the provision of education," such as early childhood education and job training, as well as any program that is administered by an education agency or institution. Second, Federal and State Authorities may allow access to the student’s education records and PII without their consent to researchers performing certain types of studies, in certain cases even when North Central objects to or does not request such research. Federal and State Authorities must obtain certain use-restriction and data security promises from the entities that they authorize to receive a student’s PII, but the Authorities need not maintain direct control over such entities. In addition, in connection with Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems, State Authorities may collect, compile, permanently retain, and share without the student’s consent PII from education records, and they may track participation in education and other programs by linking such PII to other personal information about the student that they obtain from other Federal or State data sources, including workforce development, unemployment insurance, child welfare, juvenile justice, military, and migrant student records systems.

THE CURRICULUM

Each academic department is charged with the responsibility to maintain high academic and professional standards for students pursuing majors within that department. In order to fulfill this responsibility, departments may require students to participate in non-credit, co-curricular activities. Examples of such activities include ensembles, ministry credits, and research. Students' status within their chosen major may depend on participation in these activities. For more details on these requirements, students may contact their advisors or department directors.

Philosophy and Purpose

The curriculum at North Central University is designed to provide learning experiences which promote the University’s mission and vision. North Central is pleased to offer a curriculum which builds upon the strong foundational base of our Pentecostal heritage and ministry focus. North Central takes many of its educational experiences into the learning lab of the city and world around us. Various courses incorporate evangelists, youth pastors, and specialists who bring their expertise and modeling to the classroom.

Since society is in a state of flux and has changed significantly over the last few years, North Central has developed curriculum that is flexible and adaptable. As Christians, it is important to understand society so we truly can be salt and light, finding effective ways of leading people to Christ.

At North Central University, we believe that in order to accomplish this successfully, students need to have three components in their baccalaureate degree: 1) a strong general education program, 2) a solid Bible/theology program, and 3) a selected major with a complementary content core such as North Central offers through its supporting programs.

The base of the University’s degree programs is a general education core whose prime task is to provide a cohesive Christian worldview. As knowledge increases and disciplines become increasingly fragmented and segmented, North Central seeks to provide coherence and meaning through the development of an even more holistic, integrated general education curriculum which gains its meaning because of the God we serve. We seek ways of teaching students to be better thinkers, to have the skills to be lifelong learners, to know where and how to gather information and to be able to synthesize that knowledge.

General education at North Central has seven strands which are woven into and emphasized throughout the student’s course of study: 1) servant leadership, 2) spiritual formation, 3) writing and speech, 4) thinking skills and processes, 5) information literacy, 6) technological competence, and 7) global and cultural sensitivity. These include knowledge, skills and attitudes which North Central desires all students to gain in order to be effective in the church and in the world both today and tomorrow.

North Central believes that it is important for students to be involved in general education courses because they so clearly relate to our central evangelistic focus. For example, we can’t very well engage people in effective dialogue about the gospel if we cannot speak well and articulate our thoughts. We cannot discuss life with someone whose basic philosophy we cannot understand. If we want to engage people effectually, we must know how they think. Furthermore, in order to minister, counsel, pastor, and teach people, we need to understand their psychological and emotional needs. NCU believes that a strong base of general education provides a foundation for effective ministry and work.

No matter what major students select at North Central, we trust they will develop and maintain a heart for ministry and evangelization. Therefore, NCU requires its students to complete a Bible and theology program of at least 24 credit hours. We believe all students in every major should be required to yield at the same altar, make the same sacrifice and sense the call of God to soldout Christianity.

Every major at North Central University is reviewed regularly. The curricular structure of the majors has been changed to provide flexibility for the students to take courses reflecting their specific interests, skills and calling. If students desire to go on to graduate school, for example, then they have the opportunity to select a preparatory track that provides a solid base for further study.

If, on the other hand, a student desires to specialize, this is also an option. For example, a student can take a music major program or go on to specialize in music performance or become a music pastor. Additionally, students may major in a particular program and then select a minor in an entirely different, yet complementary discipline. This option will provide for future job flexibility and the honing of other skills.

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

Our students have numerous opportunities to live out the University vision statement which describes North Central as preparing students for leadership and ministry “throughout the world.”

North Central has been the recipient of several large grants from places like the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Bethesda Foundation for curriculum and programming in urban ministries. Students are involved in our urban setting in numerous ways, and there are many opportunities for service.

Many students volunteer at the local Ubah School to teach English to Somalian refugees and to build bridges of friendship to our Muslim neighbors. North Central has developed a certificate in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).

Typically, about 10 percent of our student body and 50 percent of our faculty go overseas each year. We are building a global learning environment which provides for missions trips, international learning experiences, International Fieldwork trips, international internships and semester abroad opportunities. Student teaching can be accomplished overseas in Saipan, China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Kuwait for elementary education students. We enjoy a diverse faculty with much overseas experience.

North Central University offers a comprehensive Study Abroad program ranging from 3-week programs offered each May through the Center for Holy Land Studies in Israel and Jordan to semester-long programs located in 5 international sites listed below. A full listing of programs and policies can be found online at https://www.northcentral.edu/academics/study-abroad/.

NCU Semester-long Programs (must be a Junior or Senior, with a minimum GPA of 2.5):

• Asia Pacific Student Abroad Initiative in Bangkok, Thailand

• Cairo Studies Center in Cairo, Egypt

• Ridley Hall in Cambridge, England

• Xi'an Study Abroad Center in Xi’an, China

• Istanbul Studies Center (ISC), Istanbul, Turkey

• Student Teaching Abroad for Education majors (seniors only)

Core Curriculum—General Education & Christian Studies Core

DESCRIPTION

28 Credit Hours

The General Education Core curriculum is required of every graduate in the Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science degree programs. It represents a foundational course of study considered essential for an educated person regardless of profession or career. It is broad–based and is designed to give the student an awareness of the major elements of human existence and an appreciation of the different academic disciplines that study humanity.

The Christian Studies Core curriculum is designed to give the student a foundation of biblical content and theology for lifelong spiritual maturation. The Christian Studies core is required of every graduate in the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs. A minimum of 18 credits of Biblical & Theological studies is required for most majors and each student will earn a Christian Studies Minor.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Core Curriculum–comprising the Christian Studies Core and the General Education Core–are as follows:

1. Christian Worldview and Practice

• Biblical & Theological understanding

• Faithful Christian living

2. Cultural Understanding

• Understanding of historical, social, and psychological contexts

• Intercultural and global understanding

3. Scientific and Mathematical Problem Solving

• Scientific problem solving

• Mathematical problem solving

4. Critical Thinking

• Information literacy

• Reasoning ability

5. Communication

• Written communication

• Oral communication

GENERAL EDUCATION CORE GUIDELINES

Students should select 6–8 credits from each of the content areas listed below: Freshman Requirements, Communication, Natural Science/Mathematics Social Sciences and Arts/Humanities.

• Students are limited to selecting one course per subject code in each content area.

• No other courses may be varianced or substituted for the requirements listed below.

• Courses required for the Major or Minor will not meet a General Education Core requirement.

Please note that some majors have specific requirements for General Education Courses. These are noted within the degree requirements for each major in the catalog. Those requirements will also be clearly noted on the Progress tab in Self Service.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENT

All students are required to complete a minimum of 3 credits of English in order to become eligible to receive a baccalaureate degree from NCU. ENG 124 Composition is considered the institution’s foundational level English course, the skills of which are necessary for success in most other NCU courses. Therefore, in an effort to ensure student success, baccalaureate degreeseeking students will be required to take ENG 124 or the transfer equivalent during their first or second semester of enrollment. Before the start of each semester, the enrollment will be checked to see that all students have one of the following on their student records: a successfully completed ENG 124 course from NCU, current registration for ENG 124 in the upcoming semester, or acceptable transfer credit from another school, CLEP, or AP exam. Any student who does not meet one of the above criteria within one (1) week prior to the start of semester two of full-time enrollment may have his/her schedule rebuilt around this academic requirement.

Successful completion of ENG 124 requires a grade of “C– “ or better, and students must retake Composition if they have earned less than a “C– “. Continual enrollment of this class is required of all full–time students until it is successfully completed. Students have the following options for meeting the English requirement:

• Take the appropriate English CLEP exam and earn a qualifying score*.

• Transfer an equivalent course from another college or university.

*To complete the CLEP College Composition (includes an Essay section), please contact the testing center directly to request the essay portion of the exam.

GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES

Freshmen Requirements

Required for all Freshmen during 1st semester at NCU ENG 124 Composition (3)

Select One First Year Experience Course:

GS 112 First Year Experience: Growing in Grit (1)

GS 113 First Year Experience: Growing in Cross-Cultural Competency (1)

GS 114 First Year Experience: Growing in Personal Finance Management (1)

GS 115 First Year Experience: Growing in Self Awareness (1)

GS 117 First Year Experience: Online Student Seminar (1)

Communication: 6–8 Credits

Select 2 courses, one per subject code:

BUS 198 Communications for Business (3)

BUS 311 Oral Advocacy I (3)

BUS 465 Strategic Management & Leadership (3)

CDS 280 Establishing Deaf Cultural Ministries (3)

COMM 152 Interpersonal Communication (3)

COMM 175 Introduction to Communication and Theory (3)

COMM 185 Intro to Digital Media Production (3)

COMM 225 Public Speaking (3)

COMM 231 Principles of Layout & Design (3)

COMM 260 Writing for Media (3)

COMM 348 Feature Writing (3)

COMM 375 Photography (3)

COMM 387 Editing for Publication (3)

COMM 389 Technical Writing (3)

COMM 433 Freelance Writing (3)

ENG 340 Fiction Writing (3)

ENG 341 Poetry Writing (3)

ENG 342 Creative Nonfiction Writing (3)

ENG 347 Feature Writing (3)

ENG 387 Editing for Publication (3)

ENG 389 Technical Writing (3)

ENG 433 Freelance Writing (3)

ENG 450 Advanced Writing Seminar (3)

GBS 252 Cross Cultural Communication (3)

GBS 352 Interpersonal Relations (3)

GBS 450 Cross Cultural Communication II (3)

MLAN 140 American Sign Language I (4)

MLAN 141 Spanish IA (4)

MLAN 142 Spanish IB (4)

MLAN 240 American Sign Language II (4)

MLAN 161 Mandarin I (4)

MLAN 162 Mandarin II (4)

MLAN 171 Arabic IA (4)

MLAN 172 Arabic IB (4)

PMIN 252 Homiletics I (3)

Natural Science & Mathematics: 6–8 Credits

Select 2 courses, one per subject code:

ARCH 210 Introduction to Archaeology (3)

CSCI 160 Introduction to Mobile Application Development (3)

CSCI 180 Introduction to Programming (3)

CSCI 230 Computer Security Basics (3)

CSCI 305 Management Information Systems (3)

CSCI 310 Database Theory & Programming (3)

GEOG 262 Geography (3)

MATH 110 Applied Math & Personal Finance (3)

MATH 115 Liberal Arts Math (3)

MATH 125 College Algebra I (3)

MATH 250 Pre–Calculus (3)

MATH 260 Applied Statistics (3)

MATH 320 Geometry (3)

SCI 118 Biology (3) & Biology Lab (1)

SCI 236 Physical Science by Inquiry (3) & Lab (1)

SCI 230 Environmental Science (3)

SCI 280 Science, Technology and Society (3)

Social Science: 6 Credits

Select 2 courses, one per subject code:

BUS 161 Introduction to Business (3)

BUS 305 SEO & Search Marketing (3)

ECON 251 Principles of Microeconomics (3)

ECON 256 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)

EDUC 150 Foundations of Teacher Education (3)

EDUC 222 Human Relations (3)

GBS 112 Cultural Anthropology (3)

GBS 210 Cross Cultural Theory & Experience (3)

GBS 340 World Religions (3)

GBS 352 Interpersonal Relations (3)

GBS 354 Cross–Cultural Education (3)

GBS 370 Topics in Biblical Justice (3)

GBS 385 Children & Youth in Crisis (3)

GOVT 220 Civics (3)

GOVT 224 Introduction to Government (3)

GOVT 370 Introduction to Political Science (3)

PMIN 335 Conflict Resolution & Negotiation (3)

PMIN 431 Pastoral Counseling (3)

PSYC 125 General Psychology (3)

SWK 126 Introduction to Sociology (3)

SWK 200 Introduction to Social Work (3)

SWK 220 Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Life Span (3)

SWK 310 Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories (3)

YDEV 337 Sociology of American Youth (3)

Arts & Humanities: 6 Credits

Select 2 courses, one per subject code:

CT 210 History of Western Philosophy (3)

CT 213 Vision of the Good: Ethics and Worldview (3)

CT 246 Christian Apologetics (3)

ENG 215 Basics of Modern English (3)

ENG 220 British Literature: Beginnings to 1785 (3)

ENG 222 Deaf Literature & Theater Arts (3)

ENG 223 American Literature: Beginnings to 1865 (3)

ENG 224 Multicultural Literature Survey (3)

ENG 230 British Literature: 1785 to Present (3)

ENG 233 American Literature: 1865 to present (3)

ENG 324 Multicultural Novel (3)

ENG 331 Classical Literature (3)

ENG 336 British Novel (3)

ENG 337 Young Adult Literature (3)

ENG 338 American Novel (3)

ENG 355 Theatre Literature (3)

ENG 365 Children’s Literature (3)

ENG 430 Shakespeare (3)

ENG 435 C. S. Lewis & the Inklings (3)

ENG 451 History of the English Language (3)

ENG 452 Structure of the English Language (3)

ENG 453 Literary Theory Seminar (3)

ENG 471 Faith & Modern Literature (3)

ENG 472 The Christian English Scholar (3)

COMM 131 Film Appreciation (3)

HIST 212 History of Global Christianity (3)

HIST 221 Western Civilization I (3)

HIST 222 Western Civilization II (3)

HIST 225 American History I (3)

HIST 226 American History II (3)

HIST 240 World History (3)

HIST 360 History of Christian-Muslim Relations (3)

MUS 112 Music Appreciation (3)

MUS 163 Audio Engineering I (3)

MUS 309 Music Theory I (4)

MUS 311 Music Business I (3)

MUS 334 Historical Foundations for Music in Worship (3)

THTR 251 Introduction to Theatre (3)

THTR 253 Voice & Diction (3)

THTR 254 Acting I (3)

THTR 260 Deaf Theatre (3)

THTR 275 Technical Theatre Production (3)

THTR 355 Theatre Literature (3)

THTR 485 Scriptwriting (3)

You may also take 1 course above along with any combination of courses below (3 Credits):

MUS 135 Ensemble Seminar (1)

MUS 138 Worship Choir (1)

MUS 139 Women’s Chorus (1)

MUS 142 Festival Chorus (1)

MUS 302 Concert Chorale (1)

THTR 265 Acting Ensemble (1)

MUSL XXXX Any music lessons/Ensembles (1-2 Credits each)

CHRISTIAN STUDIES CORE MINOR (18 CREDITS)

Bible & Theology (15 Credits)

BIBL 126 Old Testament History & Literature (3)

BIBL 127 New Testament History & Literature (3)

THEO 210 God & the Gospel (3)

THEO 315 God & the World (3)

PMIN 231 Personal Formation & the Spiritual Leadership (3)

Worldview Theology/Bible/Theology Elective (3 Credits)

Upper-Level Elective: Select One (3 Credits)

BIBL 300+ Any upper–level Bible Book Elective (3)

THEO 300+ Any upper–level THEO Elective (3)

WTHE 300+ Any upper–level WTHE Elective (3)

GBT 510 Intro to Exegesis (3)*

GBT 535 Reading the Bible as Literature (3)

*Note: Approval for 4+1 Program required prior to registration in 500–level courses. Students restricted to 15 500–level credits.

ACADEMIC MAJORS

Accounting & Finance

Bachelor of Science Degree

DESCRIPTION

124 Credit Hours

The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree program at NCU is designed to prepare the student to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. This major will prepare the student to leverage assets, manage budgets, achieve financial efficiencies, and maximize investments. With courses ranging from financial reporting and analysis to international business and microeconomics, this bachelor’s degree program in finance and accounting management generates the skills required to enhance the student’s analytical and quantitative capabilities –equipping the student to pursue a career in the field of finance or accounting.

Increasing globalization and economic growth are expected to drive demand for accountants and financial professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for accountants and auditors are outstanding, with faster–than-average growth expected over the next ten years. While job opportunities are expected to be favorable overall, individuals with professional certifications, especially certified public accountants (CPAs), are likely to enjoy the best opportunities in the finance and accounting field.

COURSES

Part 1. General Education & Christian Studies Core

No degree–specific requirements for the Accounting Major.

Part 2 Accounting & Finance Major

Business Core (38 Credits)

BUS 161 Introduction to Business (3)

BUS 180 Career Seminar in Business (2)

BUS 198 Communications for Business (3)

BUS 261 Statistics & Decision Making (3)

BUS 267 Principles of Accounting I (3)

BUS 277 Principles of Accounting II (3)

BUS 361 Corporate Financial Management (3)

BUS 380 Business Law I (3)

BUS 470 Business Internship (3)

ECON 251 Principles of Microeconomics (3)

ECON 256 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)

BUS/GLE 445/525 Project Management (3)*

BUS/GLE 465/550 Strategic Management & Leadership (3)*

Accounting and Finance Core (24 Credits)

BUS 340 Not-For-Profit Accounting (3)

BUS 367 Intermediate Accounting I (3)

BUS 377 Intermediate Accounting II (3)

BUS 381 Introduction to Tax – Personal (3)

BUS 450 Auditing (3)

BUS 458 Advanced Tax – Corporations (3)

BUS 467 Advanced Financial Accounting (3)

BUS 433 Intermediate Managerial & Cost Accounting (3)

*Note: Approval for 4+1 Program required prior to registration in 500–level courses. Students restricted to 15 500–level credits.

Part 3. General Electives

Students must select additional general electives as needed to reach the 124 credits to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. Graduation requirements include a minimum of 36 upper-level credits across the entire program, which may require additional elective credits.

American Sign Language Interpreting

Bachelor of Arts Degree

DESCRIPTION

124 Credit Hours

The Carlstrom American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting department will produce graduates who will ethically serve and lead by utilizing their skill and knowledge of languages, cultures and a Christian worldview to facilitate communication and understanding between Deaf and nondeaf people.

A skilled American Sign Language/English interpreter student should be able to:

• Synthesize and express the acquired knowledge and skills concerning interpreting, culture, language and communication in preparation for both the written and performance certification exam.

• Demonstrate entry–level bicultural and bilingual competency in American Sign Language, interpreting, and Deaf Community.

• Consistently assess individual knowledge and skills related to ASL, English and interpreting.

• Effectively integrate a Christian worldview with personal and professional business practices.

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct and ethical decision making.

• Identify the necessary skills and business practices to be an interpreter in the arena of choice, whether in private practice, education, video relay, and/or staff.

• Cultivate ongoing personal, professional and spiritual development through service, ministry and leadership.

• Demonstrate a commitment to the Deaf and interpreting communities by ongoing involvement and service.

All students must complete the General Education core and Christian Studies core. Total credit hours to complete the ASL/English Interpreting major must equal at least 124 credit hours. Transfer credits for ASL performance will be contingent upon results of departmental placement testing.

COURSES

Part 1. General Education & Christian Studies Core

ASL/English Interpreting majors must select ENG 222 Deaf Literature & Theater Arts to fulfill the Arts & Humanities elective requirement.

ASL/English Interpreting majors must also select CDS 354 Aspects of Deaf Education to fulfill the Social Sciences requirement in the Gen Ed Core.

Part 2. ASL Interpreting Core (39 Credits)

Deaf Studies Core (15 Credits)

CDS 350 Linguistics and Pragmatics of ASL (3)

CDS 355 Deaf History: Social & Cultural Implications (3)

CDS 372 Introduction to Interpreting (3)

CDS 380 Disciplines of Interpreting (3)

CDS 470 Ethics & Decision Making (3)

Interpreting Core (18 Credits)

CDS 352 Interpreting American Sign Language to Spoken English (3)

CDS 385 Fields of Practice I (3)

CDS 430 Fields of Practice II (3)

CDS 446 Topics & Trends in Interpreting (3)

CDS 452 Business Practices for Interpreters (3)

CDS 495 Senior Project (3)

Internship (6 Credits)

CDS 488 Interpreting Internship (3)

CDS 489 Interpreting Internship (3–6)*

*Note: CDS 489 can be taken for 3 or 6 credits in order to meet requirement. CDS 488 cannot be repeated unless course has been previously failed.

Part 3. Language Requirement (20 Credits)

MLAN 140 American Sign Language I (4)

MLAN 240 American Sign Language II (4)

MLAN 330 Topics in ASL (4)

MLAN 340 American Sign Language III (4)

MLAN 440 American Sign Language IV (4)

*Note: Students may take the in-house ASL Skills Assessment and be placed into a higher language class. Please note that credit is not awarded based on the results of the placement exam. Additional general elective credit will be required in place of any language courses waived by exam.

Part 4. General Electives for Bachelor of Arts Degree

Students must select additional general electives as needed to reach the 124 credits to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree Graduation requirements include a minimum of 36 upper-level credits across the entire program, which may require additional elective credits.

Applied Studies

Bachelor of Science Degree

DESCRIPTION

124 Credit Hours

The Applied Studies program equips students pursuing career skills needed to work in a trade or an occupation requiring technical training, while also providing a well–rounded education complete with in–depth and advanced examination of concepts and principles inclusive of critical thinking and strong communication skills provided in a bachelor’s degree program.

COURSES

Part 1. General Education & Christian Studies Core North Central Classes (5 Credits)

BUS 180 Career Seminar in Business (2)

*Note: SWK 160 (1 Credit) required for the following programs: Addiction Counseling, Apparel Technologies, Art, Cinema, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, HVAC, & Human Services.

Select One:

APST 488 Internship (3)

APST 495 Senior Project (3)

Part 2. Applied Studies Core Concentration (Credits dependent on program)

• Addiction Counseling, AS – Minneapolis College

• Apparel Technologies, AAS – Minneapolis College

• Architectural Technology, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Art, AFA – Minneapolis College

• Cinema, AS – Minneapolis College

• Criminal Justice, AS – Minneapolis College

• Cyber Defense, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Dental Assistant, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Early Childhood Education, AAS – Minneapolis College

• Graphic Design: Creative, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Graphic Design: Web Design, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Health Sciences Broad Field, AS – Minneapolis College

• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration (HVAC), AAS – Minneapolis College

• Human Services, AS – Minneapolis College

• I.T. Support, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Landscape Design & Construction, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Landscape/Horticulture, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Network Administrator/Analyst, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Organizational Business Support, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Peace Officer & Public Safety, AS – Hennepin Technical College

• Residential Remodeling & Design, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Software Developer, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Urban Forestry, AAS – Hennepin Technical College

• Welding & Metal Fabrication, AAS – Minneapolis College

Part 3. General Electives

Applied Studies majors will take additional general electives as needed to earn 124 credits for a Bachelor of Science degree. Graduation requirements include a minimum of 36 upper-level credits across the entire program, which may also require additional elective credits.

Biblical & Theological Studies

Bachelor of Arts Degree

DESCRIPTION

124 Credit Hours

M.A. and a Ph.D. in preparation for teaching at the collegiate level. For still others, the ultimate goal may involve Bible translation or chaplaincy. An additional value of this program is that it meets the basic educational requirement of the Assemblies of God for all levels of ministerial credentialing through ordination.

Students who desire to incorporate a practical ministry component (sermon construction, preaching, and a church internship) into their program may want to select the “Ministerial Prep Option.”

As a result of completing the Biblical and Theological Studies major, the student should develop a deeper and broader knowledge of the Bible and the intellectual contours of the Christian tradition. Graduates should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• Bible Content

• Biblical Studies

• Theological Studies

• Method, topics and distinctive eras of biblical and theological scholarship

• Histories of Israel and the Church

• Ancient Languages

The Biblical and Theological Studies major reflects NCU’s continuing commitment to excellence in biblical interpretation and the theology of the historic Christian faith as expressed in the Pentecostal tradition.

COURSES

Part 1. General Education & Christian Studies Core

All Biblical Studies students must take PMIN 252 and HIST 212 in the General Education Core.

Part 2. Biblical & Theological Studies Core (45 Credits)

THE O 240 Pentecostal Distinctives (3)

BIBL 220 Reading & Interpreting Scripture (3)

BIBL 472 Bible Lands Seminar (3)

New Testament: Select 9 Credits, at least 6 Credits must be BIBL 300+ or GBT 500+

BIBL *** Any NT Elective (3)

BIBL 3** Any 2 upper-level NT Electives

GBT 5** Selected NT Electives*

Old Testament Select 9 Credits, at least 6 Credits must be BIBL 300+ or GBT 500+

BIBL *** Any OT Elective (3)

BIBL 3** Any 2 upper-level OT Electives (6)

GBT 5** Selected OT Electives*

Bible or Language Electives: Select 9 Credits, at least one course at an upper-level

BIBL *** Any Bible Electives

ALA

N 3** Any Language Elective

GBT 5** Any GBT Elective

Topics in Biblical & Theological Studies: Select One (3 Credits)

BIBL 466 Topics in History, Culture & Method (3)

THE O 466 Topics in Theology (3)

Theology & Critical Thought Electives (6 Credits)

CT *** Any Critical Thought Elective (3)

THE O *** Any Theology Elective (3)

*Note: Approval for 4+1 Program required prior to registration in 500–level courses. Students restricted to 15 500–level credits.

Part 3. Practicum Requirements – Program Specific Options (6–9 Credits)

Standard Requirement (6 Credits)

BIBL 495 Senior Project (3)

Select One:

BIBL 488 Teaching Assistantship (3)

BIBL 489 Research Assistantship (3)

Ministry Prep Requirement (9 Credits)

BIBL 490 Church Internship (3)

BIBL 495 Senior Project (3)

PMIN 352 Advanced Homiletics (3)

Part 4. Language Requirement (12 Credits)

Testament Greek IA & IB or Biblical Hebrew IA &

Take an additional 2 semesters of either language (6)

Part 5. General Electives

Students must select additional general electives as needed to reach the 124 credits to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Graduation requirements include a minimum of 36 upper-level credits across the entire program, which may require additional elective credits.

Business Administration

Bachelor of Science Degree

DESCRIPTION

124 Credit Hours

Looking to pursue a career in business? Good, because a degree in business administration offers something essential for landing a job in today’s economy: options.

A business administration degree is versatile, practical and popular with employers in all industries. The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree at NCU prepares professionals to work in a variety of higher–level leadership and management positions all around the world. Business degrees have long been considered among the most utilitarian, simply because they can be applied to so many career options. At NCU, our business administration degree program allows students to personalize the educational experience that fits their interest and career goals. This degree is also offered in both a residential and online format.

In Addition to a World–Class Education, the student will:

• Develop a professional brand with an impeccable resume and well thought–out online presence.

• Explore professional business networks early through informational interviews with field experts and strategic School of Business networking events

• Cultivate the development of a top notch portfolio of experience and skills through internships and service learning opportunities

The Twin Cities metropolitan area is home to 14 Fortune 500 companies. Our location in the heart of Minneapolis offers students many opportunities for jobs, internships, business seminars, and on-site training. A few of our partners include:

Best Buy, Target, 3MM, US Bank, General Mills, Vikings, Cargill, Regis Corporation, ShopHQ, TCF Financial Corp, UnitedHealth Care, Excel Energy, Crew2, Twins, and the Timberwolves.

Business skills are valued in all industries and at all levels. Business administration degrees topped CareerBuilder’s list of most in–demand college degrees, with 39 percent of hiring managers saying it was their most sought–after major of new college grads.

COURSES

Part 1. General Education & Christian Studies Core No degree–specific requirements for the Business Administration Major.

Part 2. Business Administration Major (62 Credits)

BUS 161 Introduction to Business (3)

BUS 180 Career in Business Seminar (2)

BUS 198 Communications for Business (3)

BUS 250 Principles of Management (3)

BUS 261 Statistics & Decision Making (3)

BUS 265 Principles of Marketing (3)

BUS 267 Principles of Accounting I (3)

BUS 277 Principles of Accounting II (3)

BUS 324 Christian Leadership & Ethics (3)

BUS 360 Applied Business Analytics & Data Visualization (3)

BUS 385 International Business Management & Marketing (3)

BUS 465 Strategic Management & Leadership (3)

BUS 470 Business Internship (3)

BUS 475 Senior Project – Business (3)

ECON 251 Principles of Microeconomics (3)

ECON 256 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)

Business Law: Select One (3 Credits)

BUS 380 Business Law I(3)

GBA 602 Business Law (3)*

Project Management: Select One (3 Credits)

BUS 445 Introduction to Project Management (3)

GLE 525 Project Management (3)*

Accounting & Finance: Select One (3 Credits)

BUS 287 Real Estate Investment (3)

BUS 361 Corporate Financial Management (3)

BUS 387 Money & Banking (3)

BUS 400 Investments (3)

BUS 420 International Finance (3)

BUS 415 Financial Statement Analysis (3)

GBA 515 Financial Statement Analysis (3)*

Marketing: Select One (3 Credits)

BUS 275 Principles of E–Commerce (3)

BUS 305 SEO & Search Marketing (3)

BUS 310 Social Media & Marketing (3)

BUS 350 Marketing Research & Consumer Behavior (3)

BUS 405 Business to Business Marketing (3)

BUS 425 Sales and Marketing (3)

BUS 426 Advertising, Media & Branding (3)

GBA 525 Sales & Marketing (3)*

Business Management: Select One (3 Credits)

BUS 281 Introduction to Nonprofit Administration (3)

BUS 374 Operations Management (3)

BUS 390 Human Resource Management (3)

GBA 540 Nonprofit Administration (3)*

GBA 574 Operations Management (3)*

*Note: Approval for 4+1 Program required prior to registration in 500–level courses. Students restricted to 15 500–level credits.

Part 3. General Electives

Students must select additional general electives as needed to reach the 124 credits to earn a Bachelor of Science degree Graduation requirements include a minimum of 36 upper-level credits across the entire program, which may also require additional elective credits.

Digital Communications

Bachelor of Science Degree

DESCRIPTION

124 Credit Hours

Digital Communications is just what it sounds like: communications performed with the best digital technology available. Multimedia developers and managers use digital communications methods to create any variety of entertainment, graphic design, and artistic productions. In this major you can learn the fundamentals of digital communication, including app development, graphic design, photography, website development, and audio and video production. The best thing about this major is that it gives you everything you need to work as a part of a reputable, professional design team. You also have the option of going out on your own and starting your own digital communications company. As compared to most, North Central University uniquely positions your digital experience alongside a first–rate business and marketing education. In doing so, you develop a competitive edge for yourself to have and build a career you can be proud of.

Careers

Career trends in marketing and communications are evident–the demand for professionals with world–class digital skills is astronomical. Digital channels and technology have transformed what it means to be a specialist in this field. Pursuing a career in these fields requires you to have both skills and hands–on experience in applying them.

• Career options are boundless, but here are a few you can pursue with this degree:

o Digital Illustrator or Graphic Designer

o Advertising Director

o Web Developer

o Marketing Specialist

o Videographer

o Social Media Content Creator

o Media Communications Specialist

COURSES

Part 1. General Education & Christian Studies Core No degree–specific requirements for the Digital Communications Major.

Part 2. Communications Core (39 Credits)

BUS 161 Introduction to Business (3)

COMM 175 Introduction to Communication and Theory (3)

BUS 180 Career Seminar in Business (2)

COMM 231 Principles of Layout & Design (3)

BUS 265 Principles of Marketing (3)

COMM 277 Introduction to Graphic Design (3)

COMM 270 Introduction to Web Design (3)

BUS 310 Social Media & Marketing (3)

COMM 360 Video Production I (w/Lab) (4)

BUS 426 Advertising, Media & Branding (3)

BUS/GLE 445/525 Project Management (3)*

COMM 488 Communications Internship (3)

COMM 495 Senior Project (3)

*Note: Approval for 4+1 Program required prior to registration in 500–level courses. Students restricted to 15 500–level credits.

Part 3. Production Electives (12 Credits)

Select 12 Credits

CSCI 160 Introduction to Mobile Application Development (3)

COMM 163 Audio Engineering I (3)

MUS 373

Audio Engineering II (3)

COMM 358 Graphic Design (3)

COMM 375 Photography (3)

COMM 396

COMM 462

COMM 465

Web Design (3)

Video Production II (w/Lab) (4)

Video Production III (w/Lab) (4)

COMM 470 Advanced Video Post–Production (3)

Part 4. Upper-Level Electives (12 Credits)

Select Any 12 Credits or upper-level BUS, COMM, ECON or ENG

Part 5. General Electives

Education – Elementary (K–6)

Bachelor of Science Degree

DESCRIPTION

124 Credit Hours

The School of Education at North Central University is committed to producing teachers who are academically prepared for excellent teaching and who utilize the best pedagogical practices, model Christ–like character, and devote themselves to lifelong learning. The school prepares students to be teachers in urban, international, public, and private schools in order to use teaching as a ministry to the church, to the city, and to the world.

The outcomes of the education program are based on the INTASC (Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) Standards and Minnesota’s own Standards of Effective Practice. Upon successful completion of the elementary education licensure program, the student may be recommended for a Minnesota State Teaching License in grades K–6.

Upon successful completion of the NCU Teacher Licensure Program the beginning teacher will:

• Demonstrate, by lifestyle and teaching, education as a life-long process.

• Understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines(s) he or she teaches and create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students

• Understand how children and adolescents learn and develop and provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development.

• Understand how learners differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to learners from diverse cultural or economic backgrounds or children with exceptionalities

• Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage the students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills

• Use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self–motivation

• Use knowledge of effective verbal, non–verbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interaction in the classroom

• Plan and manage instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community and curriculum guides.

• Understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of his/her learners.

• Develop as a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on the learning community and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally

• Understand the importance of communicating and interacting with parents/guardians, families, school colleagues, and the community to support the students’ learning and well–being

• Understand and apply the research base for, and the best practices of, kindergarten and elementary education

• Understand and apply a general understanding of federal and state rules and statutes as they relate to general and special needs populations

• Demonstrate the servant–leadership model of concern and service toward others.

• Create and be able to express a personal philosophy of education that is established upon a synthesis of one’s Christian worldview, knowledge of the teaching/learning process, knowledge of the established traditional philosophies of education, research in the disciplines and practical experience.

NOTE: Student Teaching Experience: During student teaching, both employment and additional coursework are strongly discouraged and are subject to Education department approval. (See Education Department website for additional information.)

COURSES

Part 1. General Education & Christian Studies Core (49 Credits)

Education – Elementary (K–6) majors must earn a “C– “ or better in all courses that are prerequisites for program admissions. Students take GBS 112 for the Communication requirement; SCI 236 for the Science requirement; PSYC 125, SWK 126 and EDUC 222 for the Social Science requirement; and EDUC 359, ELED 362 and either HIST 225 or HIST 226 for the Arts & Humanities requirement. Please note that MATH 110 does not meet the mathematics requirement for Elementary Education majors.

Part 2. Education Core (42 Credits)

EDUC 150 Foundations of Teacher Education (3)

EDUC 151 Foundations Field Experience (0.5)

EDUC 350 Clinical Experience I (0.5)

EDUC 351 Clinical Experience II (0.5)

EDUC 354 General Teaching Methods (2)

EDUC 360 Classroom Management (3)

EDUC 366 Creating Inclusive Classrooms (2)

EDUC 450 Clinical Experience III (0.5)

EDUC 459 The Professional in Education (3)

EDUC 458 Computers & Technology in Education (1)

EDUC 473 Student Teaching Seminar (3)

EDUC 485 Student Teaching (14)

HLTH 224 Drugs/Health Education (3)

PSYC 258 Lifespan Development (3)

ELED 365 Children’s Literature (3)

Part 3. Field Concentration (20-21 Credits)

ELED 359 Methods of Teaching Health & Physical Education (2)

ELED 361 Methods of Teaching Music (2)

ELED 363 Beginning Reading Methods (3)

ELED 364 Methods of Teaching Language Arts (3)

ELED 465 Intermediate Reading Methods (2)

ELED 466 Methods of Teaching Mathematics (2)

ELED 467 Methods of Teaching the Social Sciences (3)

ELED 468 Methods of Teaching the Sciences (3)

MUS PN11 Piano Music Lesson (1)

*Note: A passing score of 35 on the Music Placement Test can replace MUSL PN11

Part 4. General Electives

*Students who pass the music placement test in order to fulfill their music requirement must take 1 extra elective credit to earn the needed amount of credits.

Optional Education-Global Studies Concentration (12 Credits)

GBS 210 Cross Cultural Theory & Experience (3)

GBS 252 Cross Cultural Communication (3)

GBS 354 Cross Cultural Education (3)

Select One (3 Credits)

GBS 340 World Religions (3)

GBS 261 Holistic Relief & Development (3)

GBS 355 Cross Cultural Community Building (3)

GBS 385 Children & Youth in Crisis (3)

Optional Education-Special Education Concentration (9 Credits)

EDUC 342 Introduction to Special Education (3)

EDUC 343 Academic Interventions for Students with Disabilities (3)

EDUC 345 Behavioral Interventions in Special Education (3)

Education – Elementary (K–6)/Communication Arts & Literature (5–8)

Bachelor of Science Degree

DESCRIPTION

126 Credit Hours

The School of Education at North Central University is committed to producing teachers who are academically prepared for excellent teaching and who utilize the best pedagogical practices, model Christ–like character, and devote themselves to lifelong learning. The School prepares students to be teachers in urban, international, public, and private schools in order to use teaching as a ministry to the church, to the city, and to the world.

Upon successful completion of the NCU Teacher Licensure Program the beginning teacher will:

• Demonstrate, by lifestyle and teaching, education as a life-long process

• Understand how children and adolescents learn and develop and provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development.

• Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage the students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

• Use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-motivation

• Use knowledge of effective verbal, non-verbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interaction in the classroom.

• Plan and manage instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community and curriculum guides.

• Understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of his/her learners.

• Develop as a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on the learning community and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally

• Understand the importance of communicating and interacting with parents/guardians, families, school colleagues, and the community to support the students’ learning and well–being

• Understand and apply the research base for, and the best practices of, kindergarten, elementary and middle school education

• Understand and apply a general understanding of federal and state rules and statutes as they relate to general and special needs populations.

• Demonstrate the servant–leadership model of concern and service toward others.

COURSES

Part 1. General Education & Christian Studies Core(49 Credits)

Education – Elementary (K–6)/ Communication Arts & Literature (5–8) majors must earn a “C– “ or better in all courses that are prerequisites for program admissions. Students take GBS 112 for the Communication requirement; SCI 236 for the Science requirement; PSYC 125, SWK 126 and EDUC 222 for the Social Science requirement; and EDUC 359, ELED 362 and either HIST 225 or HIST 226 for the Arts & Humanities requirement. Please note that MATH 110 does not meet the Mathematics requirement for Elementary Education majors.

Part 2. Education Core (42 Credits)

EDUC 150 Foundations of Teacher Education (3)

EDUC 151 Foundations Field Experience (0.5)

EDUC 350 Clinical Experience I (0.5)

EDUC 351 Clinical Experience II (0.5)

EDUC 354 General Teaching Methods (2)

EDUC 360 Classroom Management (3)

EDUC 366 Creating Inclusive Classrooms (2)

EDUC 450 Clinical Experience III (0.5)

EDUC 459 The Professional in Education (3)

EDUC 458 Computers & Technology in Education (1)

EDUC 473 Student Teaching Seminar (3)

EDUC 487 Student Teaching-Elementary Education (10)

EDUC 488 Student Teaching-Middle School (4)

ELED 365 Children’s Literature (3)

HLTH 224 Drugs/Health Education (3)

PSYC 258 Lifespan Development (3)

Part 3. Elementary Education Concentration (20-21 Credits)

ELED 359 Methods of Teaching Health & Physical Education (2)

ELED 361 Methods of Teaching Music (2)

ELED 363 Beginning Reading Methods (3)

ELED 364 Methods of Teaching Language Arts (3) Methods of Teaching Language Arts (3)

ELED 465 Intermediate Reading Methods (2)

ELED 466 Methods of Teaching Mathematics (2)

ELED 467 Methods of Teaching the Social Sciences (3)

ELED 468 Methods of Teaching the Sciences (3)

MUS PN11 Piano Music Lesson (1)*

*A passing score of 35 on the Music Placement Test can replace MUS PN11. If passed, a student must take 1 credit of General Electives to reach 124 credits for graduation.

Part 4. Communication Arts Concentration (14 Credits)

EDUC 355 Literacy Curriculum & Instruction (Grades 5–8) (2)

ENG 337 Young Adult Literature (3)

ENG *** Young Adult Literature (3)

ENG *** British Literature Elective (3)

ENG *** Elective 200 level or higher (3)

Optional Education–Global Studies Concentration (12 Credits) 12 Credits

GBS 210 Cross Cultural Theory & Experience (3)

GBS 252 Cross Cultural Communication (3)

GBS 354 Cross Cultural Education (3)

Select One (3 Credits)

GBS 340 World Religions (3)

GBS 261 Holistic Relief & Development (3)

GBS 355 Cross Cultural Community Building (3)

GBS 385 Children & Youth in Crisis (3)

Optional Education-Special Education Concentration (9 Credits)

EDUC 342 Introduction to Special Education (3)

EDUC 343 Academic Interventions for Students with Disabilities (3)

EDUC 345 Behavioral Interventions in Special Education (3)

Education – Elementary (K–6)/Mathematics (5–8)

Bachelor of Science Degree

DESCRIPTION

130 Credit Hours

The School of Education at North Central University is committed to producing teachers who are academically prepared for excellent teaching and who utilize the best pedagogical practices, model Christ–like character, and devote themselves to lifelong learning. The School prepares students to be teachers in urban, international, public, and private schools in order to use teaching as a ministry to the church, to the city, and to the world.

Upon successful completion of the NCU Teacher Licensure Program the beginning teacher will:

• Demonstrate, by lifestyle and teaching, education as a life–long process.

• Understand how children and adolescents learn and develop and provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development

• Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage the students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills

• Use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self–motivation.

• Use knowledge of effective verbal, non–verbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interaction in the classroom

• Plan and manage instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community and curriculum guides

• Understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of his/her learners

• Develop as a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on the learning community and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally

• Understand the importance of communicating and interacting with parents/guardians, families, school colleagues, and the community to support the students’ learning and well-being.

• Understand and apply the research base for, and the best practices of, kindergarten, elementary and middle school education.

• Understand and apply a general understanding of federal and state rules and statutes as they relate to general and special needs populations

• Demonstrate the servant–leadership model of concern and service toward others.

COURSES

Part 1. General Education & Christian Studies Core (49 Credits)

Education – Elementary (K–6)/ Mathematics (5–8) majors must earn a “C– “ or better in all courses that are prerequisites for program admissions. Students take GBS 112 for the Communication requirement; MATH 250 and SCI 236 for the Science requirement; PSYC 125, SWK 126 and EDUC 222 for the Social Science requirement; and EDUC 359, ELED 362 and either HIST 225 or HIST 226 for the Arts & Humanities requirement. Please note that MATH 110 does not meet the Mathematics requirement for Elementary Education majors.

Part 2. Education Core (42 Credits)

EDUC 150 Foundations of Teacher Education (3)

EDUC 151 Foundations Field Experience (0.5)

EDUC 350 Clinical Experience I (0.5)

EDUC 351 Clinical Experience II (0.5)

EDUC 354 General Teaching Methods (2)

EDUC 360 Classroom Management (3)

EDUC 366 Creating Inclusive Classrooms (2)

EDUC 450 Clinical Experience III (0.5)

EDUC 459 The Professional in Education (3)

EDUC 458 Computers & Technology in Education (1)

EDUC 473 Student Teaching Seminar (3)

EDUC 487 Student Teaching-Elementary Education (10)

EDUC 488 Student Teaching-Middle School (4)

ELED 365 Children’s Literature (3)

HLTH 224 Drugs/Health Education (3)

PSYC 258 Lifespan Development (3)

Part 3. Field Concentration (20-21 Credits)

ELED 359 Methods of Teaching Health & Physical Education (2)

ELED 361 Methods of Teaching Music (2)

ELED 363 Beginning Reading Methods (3)

ELED 364 Methods of Teaching Language Arts (3)

ELED 465 Intermediate Reading Methods (2)

ELED 466 Methods of Teaching Mathematics (2)

ELED 467 Methods of Teaching the Social Sciences (3)

ELED 468 Methods of Teaching the Sciences (3)

MUS PN11 Piano Music Lesson (1)

*Note: A passing score of 35 on the Music Placement Test can replace MUSL PN11

Part 4. Mathematics Concentration (18 Credits)

EDUC 358 Mathematics Curriculum & Instruction (Grades 5–8) (2)

MATH 260 Applied Statistics (3)

MATH 280 Calculus I (4)

MATH 300 Linear Algebra (3)

MATH 320 Geometry (3)

MATH 340 Discrete Mathematics (3)

Optional Education-Global Studies Concentration (12 Credits)

12 Credits

GBS 210 Cross Cultural Theory & Experience (3)

GBS 252 Cross Cultural Communication (3)

GBS 354 Cross Cultural Education (3)

Select One (3 Credits)

GBS 340 World Religions (3)

GBS 261 Holistic Relief & Development (3)

GBS 355 Cross Cultural Community Building (3)

GBS 385 Children & Youth in Crisis (3)

Optional Education-Special Education Concentration (9 Credits)

EDUC 342 Introduction to Special Education (3)

EDUC 343 Academic Interventions for Students with Disabilities (3)

EDUC 345 Behavioral Interventions in Special Education (3)

Education – Elementary (K–6)/Social Studies (5–8)

Bachelor of Science Degree

DESCRIPTION

124 Credit Hours

College of Arts & Sciences

School of Education

Rachael Kaiser, Director